MOWR Spotlight: Shermel McCluster
Name: Shermel McCluster
High School: Americus Sumter High School South Campus
MOWR Program: Criminal Justice Technology (Associate’s Degree)
Advisor: Teresa McCook
Total MOWR savings: $6,496
Shermel has taken full advantage of her opportunities with the Move On When Ready program at South Georgia Technical College, securing an internship with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office in Americus and soaring to the top of her class. Her advisor, Teresa McCook, nominated her for the Student of Excellence Award in February 2017 as a result of her accomplishments. “I chose Shermel for the honor because of her hard work and determination in completing her Associate’s Degree while she’s a senior in high school. She has a high GPA and is taking the maximum load of classes while fulfilling her internship, and I’ve never once heard her complain. She gets the job done and has been a joy to have in class.”
Shermel has already completed her high school requirements and earned three Technical Certificates of Credit from SGTC in the MOWR program. She will graduate with both her high school diploma from Americus Sumter High and Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice Technology from South Georgia Tech in May 2017. She plans to continue her education at Valdosta State University after graduation and eventually become an FBI Agent.
“I’d recommend the Move On When Ready program to any high school student who’s ready to get a jump start on their education and get closer to starting the career of their choice,” said McCluster. She says her favorite class in the Criminal Justice Technology program has been Ethics and Cultural Perspectives, because it deals with the moral aspects of criminal justice.
“We want to thank the Sumter County School System and South Georgia Technical College for being an instrument in helping Shermel to accomplish her goals in life,” said her parents, Bishop Melvin and Mrs. Shermeanetter McCluster. “With her pursuing this career path, we know the world will be a safer place to live.”