Michael Micallef of Buena Vista named SGTC Student of Excellence

Michael Micallef of Buena Vista, an Automotive Technology student at South Georgia Technical College, was the recipient of the Americus Campus Student of Excellence Award for the month of April. The recognition ceremony was held recently in the John M. Pope Industrial Technology Center on the Americus campus.

Micallef was nominated by his instructors Brandon Dean and Kerry Mahone for his “reputation,” Dean explained to the room of classmates, family members and friends.

“Michael moved here from Michigan and wasn’t really in the car scene,” he said. “He got started in the program though … and now he jumps on a problem, tackles it and doesn’t ask any questions. He does what it takes to get up here on the stage and be recognized.”

Micallef thanked both Dean and Mahone for helping him along the way.

“After I started the program, I have been with Mr. Mahone the whole time – but rather than a teacher, he has been more like a mentor in a way,” he said. “He also helped me get my first job while I’ve been in the program as well. I would just like to thank them for all they’ve done.”

Micallef is employed by Paul Smith of Paul’s Automotive in Oglethorpe, who was also a student of Kerry Mahone’s.

Each month, students from certain divisions selected for that month are nominated for the Student of Excellence award by their instructors. Program instructors nominate one student from their programs who has exhibited high standards academically, socially, and professionally. This month’s ceremony recognized students in transportation programs at SGTC. The winner is selected based on a number of criteria, including grades, work ethics, participation in clubs and organizations, and amount of program completion. Each nominee is presented with a certificate and a South Georgia Technical College Student of Excellence T-shirt.

After being announced as the award recipient by David Kuipers, SGTC Vice President of Academic Affairs, Micallef was presented with a $50 check, an engraved personal plaque, a congratulatory letter from SGTC President Dr. John Watford and a “Student of Excellence” t-shirt.  His name was also engraved on a perpetual plaque that is displayed in Hicks Hall.  A Student of Excellence Banner will also be hung in the program area until the first ceremony of Fall semester in September at which time the banner will be moved.

The nominees from the other programs included: Marquez David of Buena Vista, Aircraft Structural Technology; Bailey Shelton on Senoia, Aviation Maintenance Technology; Adrian Woods of Plains, Auto Collision Repair Technology; Willie C. Pittman of Butler, Diesel Technology; and Grayson Moore of Leesburg, Motorsports Vehicle Technology.  Each nominee received a certificate and a “Student of Excellence” t-shirt.

Nominating instructors included: Jason Wisham, Aircraft Structural Technology; David Grant, Aviation Maintenance Technology; Starlyn Sampson, Auto Collision Technology; Chase Shannon, Diesel Power Equipment; and Kevin Beaver, Motorsports Vehicle Technology.

Full photo gallery can be seen here: Student Of Excellence, April 2018

Sitting from left to right are Student of Excellence nominees: Marquez Davis, Bailey Shelton, Michael Micallef, Adrian Woods, Willie C. Pittman and Grayson Moore. Standing from left to right are nomination instructors: Jason Wisham, David Grant, Brandon Dean, Starlyn Sampson, Chase Shannon and Kevin Beaver.