Effingham County, GA — July 18, 2024 — Effingham County School District (ECDS) and Savannah Technical College (STC) celebrated academic expansions in Effingham County today with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Effingham County School District Performing Arts Center and the Jack Hill Conference Center and ribbon-cuttings for STC’s Nursing/Science Lab expansion and STC’s Commercial Truck Driving training expansion its Effingham Campus. 

“Dayle and I are incredibly excited to celebrate these amazing accomplishments for our community and the students in Effingham County,” said Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington). “From increased education opportunities at Savannah Technical College to the Jack Hill Conference Center and the new Effingham County Performing Arts Center, we’re proud to see our community prioritize future generations and make investments to provide our children with the best education possible—both in and out of the classroom.”

The new facilities will provide state-of-the-art facilities for students and the community, fostering growth in the performing arts, healthcare, and commercial trucking sectors. 

“Today’s celebration marks a significant achievement in enhancing educational opportunities and workforce development in Effingham County,” said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. “The collaboration between the Effingham County School District and Savannah Technical College exemplifies the power of partnership in creating pathways for student success and economic growth. The new facilities and expanded programs will provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a competitive job market. We are proud to support these initiatives and look forward to the positive impact they will have on the community.”

This event marked a significant milestone in the partnership of Effingham County School District and Savannah Technical College. Together, these institutions are committed to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting the future workforce of Effingham County.

“Congratulations to our friends and partners at the Effingham County School District and Savannah Technical College on the kickoff of these remarkable new projects,” said Effingham County Industrial Development Authority CEO Brandt Herndon, who is also the vice chair of STC’s local board of directors.  “We are thrilled to see the addition of new educational programming, as well as meeting and conference capabilities in Effingham County. The conference and performing arts centers provide much-needed multi-purpose space for our growing community.”

Effingham County School District Superintendent Dr. Yancy Ford said: “Today’s groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies are more than just celebrations of new buildings; they are a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision. The partnership between Effingham County School District and Savannah Technical College exemplifies our commitment to providing unparalleled educational opportunities and fostering workforce development in our community. These new facilities will not only enhance our students’ learning experiences but also prepare them for the future.” 

Savannah Technical College President Dr. Ryan Foley said: “We are excited to celebrate these major academic expansions and enhance our partnership with Effingham County School District. Through these capital projects to expand training in Effingham County, Savannah Technical College continues its mission to ensure graduates are career-ready, equipped for high-demand careers, and poised to fill the skills gap in today’s dynamic job market.”

Effingham County School District Performing Arts Center

The Performing Arts Center will be approximately 100,000 square feet and will feature an 1,800-seat auditorium, cutting-edge stage, sound and lighting systems, spacious dressing rooms, classrooms, a black box theater, and conference room. Located adjacent to the Jack Hill Conference Center, this new facility will provide unparalleled opportunities for students in fine arts to showcase their talents, while also serving as a cultural hub for the entire Effingham community and surrounding Coastal Empire region.

Jack Hill Conference Center

The Jack Hill Conference Center totals approx. 15,000 square feet, which includes a 5,000-square-foot multi-use banquet room, an executive conference room, and a catering kitchen. The Conference Center was named after Georgia State Senator Jack S. Hill, who served Georgia’s 4^th District. At the time of his death, he was the longest-serving Georgia State Senator.

The Conference Center and Performing Arts Center will share a 10,000-square-foot outdoor courtyard.

STC’s Nursing/Science Lab expansion

STC’s Effingham Campus is now home to a new nursing suite and natural science lab. These expansions added more than 3,500 square feet. The nursing suite includes a classroom and lab for hands-on training with hospital beds, patient simulators and occupational therapy training space. The new science lab (1,584 square feet) will be able to accommodate any of the natural science classes at Savannah Technical College including chemistry, biology, and other natural sciences.

Georgia Board of Nursing (GBON) recently granted developmental approval for the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at the College. Developmental approval grants the College the permission to begin the development of an ASN program. Pending initial approval by GBON and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the first cohort of 24 students will begin using the new Effingham nursing suite in January 2025. Graduates of the Associate of Science in Nursing program will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). For more information about STC’s training for nursing, please visit: savannahtech.edu/Nursing

STC’s Commercial Truck Driving training expansion

The Commercial Truck Driving training program at Effingham Campus has been expanded and upgraded. The driving pad now has room for two additional testing pads (31,200 square feet each) to use with the current driving pad. The program also moved from a mobile trailer classroom to a new building (2,520 square feet) with a 32-seat classroom, a simulation room with two truck simulators, offices, restrooms, a small vending area, and a break/lounge area. Also, a dedicated parking area was added to organize student and staff parking. 

The original driver training pad (93,500sf), which was used for training and testing students, has been fully resurfaced and laid out for training. It also meets new testing maneuver requirements per the Georgia Department of Driver Services for CDL licensing.

The two additional testing pads allow for dedicated testing areas in addition to training. This expansion greatly increases the opportunity for the College to train, test, and license more students for a career path in high demand.

The College offers Commercial Truck Driver’s License (CTDL) training at its campuses in Liberty County and Effingham County. The training may be completed in eight weeks.  While there is great demand for this training, including from transitioning service members and military spouses, enrollment is limited by the low instructor-to-student ratios required during the driving portions.

Students must be at least 18 years of age (21 years of age for interstate travel) to enroll in Commercial Truck Driving. For a full list of admission requirements, please visit: https://www.savannahtech.edu/CDL.

About Effingham County School District:

Effingham County School District is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for college, careers, and life. With a focus on academic excellence and community engagement, the district serves thousands of students across Effingham County.

#2501 | July 18, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College will send nine individuals and teams to compete in the national SkillsUSA leadership and skills competition June 24-28 in Atlanta, Ga. These competitors won gold at the SkillsUSA Georgia Competition in February.

• The Community Service team won gold for the fourth year in a row with teammates: Corina Stewart, Bazhena Kolesova, and Keelie Drabb; 
• The Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) team won gold for the fourth year in a row with Industrial Maintenance Systems students Aiden Cimadevilla, Scott Szurley, Steven Cowart, and William Smith; 
• The Promotional Bulletin Board team won gold for the third year in a row with Early Childhood Care & Education teammates: Jeannie Fleming (alternate), Janine Lowry, Angel, and Debra Perez;
• Air Conditioning student Marco Viera won gold for the Sheet Metal competition;
• Architectural Drafting student Paul Panas won gold for Architectural Drafting;
• Automotive student Ricky Blount won gold for Mobile Electronics;
• Barbering student Alex Rodriguez won gold for Barbering;
• Early Childhood Care & Education student Jeri Newsome won gold for Customer Service; and
• Savannah Film Academy students Robert Ellis, III and Phil Marnell won gold for the Digital Cinema competition.

For a list of STC’s previous national wins for SkillsUSA visit the College’s national awards page. 

SkillsUSA is a national career and technical student organization/competition that annually serves more than 380,000 high school, college and post-secondary students–and their instructors–in technical, skilled and service-occupation instructional programs.

About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades. It’s a student-led partnership of education and industry that’s building the skilled workforce our nation depends on with graduates who are career ready, day one. Representing nearly 380,000 career and technical education students and teachers, SkillsUSA chapters thrive in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. SkillsUSA’s mission empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. That mission is accomplished through the SkillsUSA Framework of Personal Skills, Workplace Skills and Technical Skills Grounded in Academics, which is integrated into the classroom curriculum. Through Framework instruction, students develop the character-shaping leadership skills — teamwork, communication, professionalism and more — that successful careers and lives demand. At the same time, students hone their high-level technical skills against current industry standards in more than 130 skilled trade areas, from 3-D Animation to Welding. The result? Focused, confident and highly skilled graduates who are ready to work, ready to lead and ready to make a difference in our schools, workplaces and communities. A vital solution to the skills gap, where more in-demand skilled trades positions are available than qualified professionals to fill them, SkillsUSA has served more than 14 million difference-making members since 1965. To learn more, visit www.skillsusa.org.

Congratulations to the STC Students inducted into National Technical Honor Society at a ceremony this spring. View the photo album on Facebook. 

The College’s NTHS chapter was recently honored for the largest Overall Membership Increase recognition at the Georgia State Leadership Conference. The College’s membership increased 24% for AY23 with 158 new members compared with AY22. NTHS membership at Savannah Tech requires a 3.5 GPA, 12 earned credit hours, and a faculty nomination.

About National Technical Honor Society

The National Technical Honor Society serves more 100,000 student members annually. Awarding more than $3 million in scholarships to date, NTHS honors the achievements of top CTE students, provides scholarships to encourage the pursuit of higher education, and cultivates excellence in today’s highly competitive, skilled workforce. For more information about the NTHS visit: www.nths.org.

#2446 | May 22, 2024

Savannah Culinary Institute students at Savannah Technical College have been selected to attend a study abroad program at South East Technological University based in Waterford, Ireland.

“It is my pleasure on behalf of all at SETU to express my delight that we will be welcoming students from Savannah Culinary Institute to our campus in Waterford, Ireland,” said SETU Novus International Business Development Manager Páraic Fanning. “We have no doubt that your students’ experience here and the memories they will make while in Ireland will be something they will bring forward for the future.”

The two-week immersive program (July 31 – August 15) will include a working in local kitchen operations, attending culinary and pastry classes at their university and touring local sites. Proposed sessions include: Fish & Shellfish (modernizing traditional dishes); Traditional Irish Food; Introduction to Traditional Breads & Desserts; Modernizing Traditional Irish Meats and an internship where students shadow restaurant chefs to experience working in an Irish professional environment.

“We offer engaging learning opportunities that enhance our students’ exposure to the hospitality industry at the Savannah Culinary Institute,” said STC Culinary Arts Department Head Chef Gearry Caudell. “Our students are excited for their trip where they will be immersed in a unique culture, experience hands on training in Irish restaurants and learn about Ireland’s traditions while visiting historic sites.” 

Six students were selected based on an essay and preparation of an authentic Irish dish based, which was evaluated based on techniques, verbal presentation, visual presentation/portion size, flavor/texture, and timing. STC’s team of students: Jessica Fields, Grace Glover, London Harris, Rachael Dunbar, Kathy Lewis and (not pictured Jessica Osbourne) will be joined by Caudell.

“Our University has a great tradition in the Culinary sector and that coupled with the fact that you will be staying in Ireland’s oldest City, steeped in Irish culture and history one has the perfect mix to ensure students get the most from their time in Ireland,” said Fanning. “We cannot wait to see you all and welcome you to SETU.”

Savannah Culinary Institute students previously participated in an academic exchange with the Academy of Toulouse in France. Three groups of STC students traveled there in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Academy of Toulouse students studied in our labs and worked alongside restaurant chefs in Savannah in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Culinary Arts students from North Georgia Technical College will also participate in the exchange. SETU offers certificate and degree programs in International Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts.

About Savannah Technical College’s Savannah Culinary Institute

The Savannah Culinary Institute, an American Culinary Federation-accredited culinary arts program, has been described as the “best in the U.S.A” by its ACF accreditation review board. According to the ACF committee chair, the Culinary Institute of Savannah, offering ACF-accredited diploma and degree programs in culinary arts, has gone “well over and above the standards and expectations for a technical college teaching facility.” The committee recommended that the program receive the maximum accreditation time of seven years, when the average is three years. Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts associate degree graduates have a 100% placement rate in their field since 2015. The program has earned regional and national recognition with ACF-sponsored competitions. For more information visit: www.savannahtech.edu/SavannahCulinaryInstitute.

#2445 | May 22, 2024

Savannah Technical College recognized 355 students for excellence in academics for the Spring 2024 Dean’s List. To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must have at least a 3.5 GPA and have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours (or full-time) for that semester. These students represent 28.5% of the full-time students for Spring 2024.

Early Childhood Care and Education student Jeri Newsome was recently inducted into STC’s chapter of National Technical Honor Society. Earlier this year she won gold in the Customer Service competition for SkillsUSA Georgia and will compete at SkillsUSA nationals this summer. She’s been the owner of Scholastic Minds Academy in Savannah for more than eight years. She loves kids and says “Early childhood is my passion.” Her mom was a school teacher for 30 years, and Newsome is excited to follow in her mom’s footsteps as an educator. Even with a successful business, she decided to go back to school to complete an associate’s degree and eventually a bachelor’s degree in education.

• Amber Abasta (Phlebotomy Technician)
• Christopher Aceves (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Chelsea Akahi (Business Management Diploma)
• Grayson Allen (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Megan Allen (Culinary Baking/Pastry Arts AAS)
• Jason Allman (Aircraft Assembly Technician)
• Preston Allred (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Carlos Almeida Sampaio (Industrial Maintenance Systems)
• Amber Amory (Business Management Degree)
• Mason Anderson (Precision Machining & Manufacturing)
• Tyechia Andrews (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Julio Arrieta (Electrical Technology)
• Lavey Austin (Early College Essentials)
• Alexander Bagnall (A.S. Information Technology)
• Tameka Baker (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
• Caleb Baldinelli (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Trecia Baldwin (Technical Studies)
• Bella Banker (Early College Essentials)
• Ernest Barela (Construction Management Degree)
• Pamela Barfield (Business Technology Degree)
• Fiore Barile (Business Management Degree)
• NyJeria Barnes (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Ismael Barrera (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Rashida Belk (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Christian Bello (Health Care Science)
• Sadie Bennett (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Demone Blackman (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Heather Bonham (Dental Assisting Diploma)
• Anthony Bonheur (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Walter Boone (Basic POST Certification)
• Timmesha Bostick (Health Care Assistant)
• Stephanie Bourgeois (Marketing Management Degree)
• Karis Boyett (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Dustin Briggs (Industrial Maintenance Systems)
• Christon Brooks (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Levi Broughman (Early College Essentials)
• Caleb Brown (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Khalid Brown (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Shakeria Brown (Health Care Science)
• Tina Brown-Foley (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Ian Bruker (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Kamrin Bryant (Business Management Degree)
• Darrell Bryant (Aircraft Assembly Technician)
• Lesline Buchanan (Medical Coding/Insurance Data)
• Garrett Buckley (Paramedicine Degree)
• Luke M Burns (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Ashley Burress (Dental Assisting Diploma)
• Lashae Butler (Medical Front Office Assistant)
• Hannah Card (Health Care Assistant)
• Bela Carroll (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Eric Cason (Health Care Assistant)
• Savannah Castle (Business Management Degree)
• Deborah Casto (Early Childhood Care/Education Degree)
• Jadiel Cespedes Torres (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Nicole Cherrett (Surgical Technology Degree)
• Jordan Christy (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Victoria Chung (Culinary Baking/Pastry Arts AAS)
• Carlee Claybrook (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Danielle Clayton (Networking Specialist Degree)
• Seresa Cohen (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Mark Cole (Air Conditioning Technology Diploma)
• Charles Coleman (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Rodrigus Coleman (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Xavier Colette (Electrical Technology)
• Christopher Collins (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Cheryl Cook (Medical Assisting Diploma)
• Gabrielle Cooper (Business Management Degree)
• Jeffrey Cordero (Barbering)
• Madison Craighead (Drafting Diploma)
• Woodrow Crosby (Historic Preservation and Restoration)
• Caitlin Crumbley (Health Care Assistant)
• Hector Cruz Delgado (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Bruce Cushman (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Amari Daniels (Technical Studies)
• Ian Darby (Business Management Degree)
• Matthew Davenport (Construction Management Degree)
• Tina Davis (Culinary Arts Diploma)
• Angel Davis (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Mario Dean (Air Conditioning Electrical Technician)
• Jerome Delaney (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Brandy Delasbour (Business Management Degree)
• Myliasse Delucia (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Nasha Denson (Surgical Technology Degree)
• Nelson Diaz (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Damaris Diaz Castillo (Culinary Baking/Pastry Arts AAS)
• Arlie Dipolito (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Saleena Dodson (Health Care Assistant)
• Calvin Dogger (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Phillip Dove (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Chase Ducre (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Rachael Dunbar (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Lindsey Duncan (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Allison Duncan (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Madison Edwards (Business Management Degree)
• Moraya Eldridge (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Brenden Eldridge (Electrical Utility Technology Degree)
• Grayson Elliott (Industrial Maintenance Systems)
• Tina Ellis (Phlebotomy Technician)
• Tenika Elmore (Health Care Assistant)
• Donell Evans (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Brenda Feliciano (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Deondra Fields (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Jessica Fields (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Michael Finger (Aircraft Structural Technol)
• Debanhi Flores (A.S. Information Technology)
• William Flores (Air Conditioning Electrical Technician)
• Samantha-Brooke Freeman (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Connor Frick (Industrial Maintenance Systems)
• Mark Fuchs (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Samantha Furlong (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Anthony Gamble (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Jimmy Garcia (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Isaiah Gardner (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Brooke Gilder (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Parks Girardeau (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Jeshua Grach (Technical Studies)
• Destiny Graham (Dental Assisting Diploma)
• Haley Grajiola (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Nevaeh Green (Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder)
• Unique Green (A.S. Information Technology)
• Raphael Greene (Logistics and Supply Chain)
• William Greenwood (Technical Studies)
• Robert Gwin (Air Conditioning Electrical Technician)
• Charkera Hanna (Health Care Assistant)
• Steven Harden (Construction Management Degree)
• Hayley Hardnett (Early College Essentials)
• Kristyn Harrelson (Accounting Degree)
• Landan Harris (Culinary Baking/Pastry Arts AAS)
• Justin Harris (Aviation Maintenance AAS)
• Patrick Hart (Construction Management Degree)
• Benjamin Hart (Electrical Technology)
• Jeremy Hartman (Electrical Technology)
• Genevieve Hassan (Medical Assisting Diploma)
• Victoria Hawes (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Edward Hayes (Air Conditioning Technology Degree)
• Avery Hendricks (Dental Hygiene)
• Erick Hernandez (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Diana Hernandez (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Braydenn Hess (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
• Rumony Hicks (Health Care Assistant)
• Chasiti Hills (Health Care Assistant)
• Brandi Hines (Early College Essentials)
• Christina Hisler (Construction Management Degree)
• Chi Hoang (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Kyle Hosey (Vertical Shielded Metal Arc)
• Jahniya Hutchinson (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Tristen Ingram (Air Conditioning Technology Degree)
• Alex Ipsen (Precision Machining & Manufacturing)
• Ingrid Jackson (Early Childhood Care/Education Degree)
• Nevaeh James (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Taylor Jarrell (Surgical Technology Degree)
• Mason Jenkins (Early College Essentials)
• Opollo Johnson (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Makiah Johnson (Medical Assisting Diploma)
• Aliyah Jones-Ruhl (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Annande Kadanga (Automotive Technology Dipl)
• Arden Kaluza (Electrical Technology)
• Kiale Kehoe (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Mia Keith (Early Childhood Care/Education Diploma)
• Jacob Kendrick (Industrial Maintenance Systems)
• Adam Khalil (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Penina Kiruy (Health Care Assistant)
• Courtney Knight (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Anna Knight (Basic POST Certification)
• Jacob Koshinski (Barbering)
• Haley Krafft (Surgical Technology Degree)
• Margaret Kubil (Air Conditioning Technology Diploma)
• Klem Kucherin (Electrical Technology)
• Zachery Kuehn (Precision Manufacturing)
• Jayla Ladson (Health Care Assistant)
• Tyson Lasota (Technical Studies)
• Bismar Lechado (Air Conditioning Technology Diploma)
• Mindy Lechuga Nevarez (EMS Professions)
• Robert Lewis (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Monet Lewis (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Sha’ron Lewis (Business Management Degree)
• Luigi Lockhart (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Omar Lopez Luna (Electrical Technology)
• Alexander Lopez-Acuna (Construction Management Diploma)
• Robert Luken (Air Conditioning Technology Degree)
• Joshua Lunsford (Industrial Maintenance Systems)
• Ashley Marks (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Joscelyn Marriott (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Jakayla Massey (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Christopher Maultsby (Barbering)
• Tonja Maultsby (Hair Designer)
• Ryan McCallum (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Wyatt McCart (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Angel McCollum (Early Childhood Care/Education Degree)
• Amelia McCullough (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Mary McDonald (Hotel/Restaurant/Tourism Degree)
• Ronald McElhaney (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Scott McGinnity (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Kashaunie McKenzie (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Tina McKinnon (Health Care Assistant)
• Surrennia McNeill (Human Resource Management Specialist)
• Wesley Mearse (EMS Professions)
• Luis Medina (Air Conditioning Technology Degree)
• Kynnedy Melendez (Early College Essentials)
• Gelina Melograno (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Arianna Mendoza (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Brooklyn Meyer (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Montrez Middleton (Business Management Degree)
• Kayla Miller (Health Care Assistant)
• Christina Miller (Technical Studies)
• Garcia Milton (Air Conditioning Technology Degree)
• Alexiss Mitchell (Health Care Assistant)
• Sidney Mitchell (Dental Assisting Diploma)
• Myranda Mobley (Health Care Assistant)
• Leen Mol (Air Conditioning Electrical Technician)
• Michael Moore (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Jordynn Moore (Aircraft Assembly Technician)
• Jordan Moore (Historic Preservation and Restoration)
• Joe Moore (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Makayla Moore (Surgical Technology Degree)
• Azea Morgan (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Amariah Moultrie (Medical Assisting Diploma)
• Jarrod Murphy (Industrial Maintenance Assist)
• Myia Natson-Green (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Jeri Newsome (Early Childhood Care/Education Degree)
• Joel Newton (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Dao Nguyen (Business Management Degree)
• Wiselande Noel (Accounting Degree)
• Gerardo Noguera (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Larraine Oakes (Medical Assisting Diploma)
• Elizabethe O’Donnell (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Mark Odum (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Mikell Ogle (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Brittany Oldham (Health Care Assistant)
• Melissa Olson (Medical Assisting Diploma)
• Chantell Ormsby (Health Care Assistant)
• Natalia Ortiz Gonzalez (Culinary Baking/Pastry Arts AAS)
• Robert Osterman (Accounting Degree)
• Shakira Owens (Health Care Assistant)
• Paul Panas (Drafting Degree)
• Vaibhav Pardeshi (Business Management Degree)
• Christopher Parker (Construction Management Degree)
• Jordan Parker (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Adia Parks (Health Care Science)
• Nadia Parland (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Tristian Patrick (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Daniel Peavy (Industrial Maintenance Systems)
• Carson Perry (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Caden Phillips (Construction Management Degree)
• Kory Philmon (Vertical Shielded Metal Arc)
• Olivia Piatt (Health Care Science)
• Crystal Porter (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Lindsay Poythress (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
• Brenden Pracht (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Jackson Price (Auto Engine Performance Technician)
• Carl Denver Punzalan (Accounting Degree)
• Miley Rahn (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Scott Rasplicka (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Madison Reed (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Jeremiah Regalado-Young (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Mariah Reyes-Howard (Medical Assisting Diploma)
• Cayla Rhyner (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Jamara Richardson (Industrial Maintenance Systems)
• Ethan Riley (Industrial Maintenance Systems)
• Joel Rivera (Automotive Technology Diploma)
• Aliyah Robinson (Medical Assisting Diploma)
• Angeleic Rodgers (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Kimberly Rodriguez (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Jordyn Rogers (Salon and Spa Support)
• Kurt Romano (Air Conditioning Technology Degree)
• Amy Romero (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Rebecka Roy (Health Care Assistant)
• Madison Rutledge (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Stephanie Sampson (Dental Assisting Diploma)
• Colin Sanders (Technical Specialist)
• Justin Sanguily (Air Conditioning Technology Diploma)
• Jafet Santana (Construction Management Diploma)
• Serrena Santiago (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Aaron Sather (Automotive Fundamentals)
• Savannah Saunders (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Allan Scheurer (Business Management Degree)
• Christian Scholar (Aviation Maintenance Tech Diploma)
• Antonio Scott (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Ebonique Seaton (Early Childhood Care/Education Diploma)
• Robert Seckinger (Air Conditioning Technology Diploma)
• Stephen Sherman (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Braylin Shields (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Craig Showers (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Tamia Shumpert (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Julia Silva (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Aidan Simich (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Gabrielle Simmons (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Terrion Simon (Barbering)
• Mariana Sistos Barron (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Zachery Sitton (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Megan Slaughter (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Sharon Smiley (Business Technology Diploma)
• Cory Smiley (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Lawrence Smith (Cybersecurity Certificate)
• Tyson Speaks (Aircraft Assembly Technician)
• Dallas Spencer (Early College Essentials)
• Tamia Spencer (Health Care Assistant)
• Julles Spruill (Electrical Technology)
• Kenneth Stappert (Electrical Technology)
• Darienne Stembridge (Cybersecurity Diploma)
• Danielle Sterling (Health Care Science)
• Corina Stewart (Marketing Management Degree)
• Ashley Stokes (Dental Assisting Diploma)
• Luke Strange (Industrial Maintenance Systems)
• Ethan Sykes (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Marquis Taylor (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Elana Taylor (Barbering)
• Tavaris Thornton (A.S. Criminal Justice)
• Brenda Tinoco-Mendoza (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Juan (Max) Tiul-Sheffler (Construction Management Degree)
• Faith Tompkins (Marketing Management Degree)
• Jasiel Trujillo (Electrical Technology)
• Nicholas Tuper (A.S. Logistics Management)
• Charles Tupper (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Ansley Turner (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Kaili Turner (Health Care Assistant)
• Mallory Tuttle (Hotel/Restaurant/Tourism Degree)
• Olivia Ulrich (Cybersecurity Diploma)
• Aubrey Ussery (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Jennifer Uzcategui (Drafting Degree)
• Migdalia Vargas (Criminal Justice Technology Degree)
• Javier Vasquez (Air Conditioning Technology Diploma)
• Enrique Vazquez (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Jackson Veal (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Norkia Vickers (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Marcos Viera (Air Conditioning Technology Diploma)
• Ashley Vining (Nurse Aide)
• Craig Vinson (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Hailey Vitagliano (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Thomas Von Alt (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Brettney Walker (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Jason Walton (Technical Studies)
• Eddie Walton (Air Conditioning Technology Diploma)
• Lori Warnock (Culinary Baking/Pastry Art Dip)
• Matthew Washee (Flux Cored ARC Welder)
• Carrie Weber (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Gideon Weymer (Industrial Maintenance Systems)
• Ryan Wilkins (Industrial Maintenance Systems)
• Alaisha Williams (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Hailey Williams (Fire Science Technology Diploma)
• Ashley Williams (Phlebotomy Technician)
• Nevaeh Williams (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Harold Williams (Air Conditioning Technology Degree)
• Jazmine Williams (Health Care Assistant)
• Laurece Williams (Electrical Technology)
• Talayeh Williams (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Tranese Williams (Health Care Assistant)
• Tjamal Williams (Air Conditioning Technology Diploma)
• Bradley Willis (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Michael Wilson (Construction Management Degree)
• Kerron Wint (Air Conditioning Technology Diploma)
• Joshua Woods (Industrial Maintenance Systems)
• Emil Wright (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Laela Young (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Bo Yum (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Alexandra Zaifert (Cybersecurity Degree)

#2444 | May 17, 2024

ATLANTA, GA – Savannah Technical College ESL Instructor Mark Huguely was recognized as a finalist in TCSG – Technical College System of Georgia‘s Outstanding Teacher of the Year at the 30th annual EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) conference. This recognition honors teachers who make significant contributions to the field through instruction, innovation, and leadership in adult education.

Huguely teaches Intermediate ESL in a hybrid model that allows students to decide daily if they will attend in person or online, in the morning or at night. This flexibility and his excellent teaching skills result in consistently high attendance and successful outcomes. He also teaches a GED class in Spanish for ESL students, who may be months away from obtaining a GED in Spanish but years from obtaining a GED in English.

Prior to the EAGLE conference, he was named STC’s Adult Education Instructor of the Year (2024). He stands with TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier and Dr. Canyanna Good, TCSG’s Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Adult Education.

The EAGLE Leadership Institute recognizes and honors those students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes. Selection criteria include student character, attitude, attendance, leadership and community involvement and activities. From this group, one student is selected to represent the local program at the state EAGLE Leadership Institute (March 25-27, 2024). The Institute provides workshops in leadership topics to build on the strong leadership characteristics the student already exhibits.

EAGLE is the first statewide program in the nation that recognizes and rewards excellence among students enrolled in adult education programs. This student recognition program is designed to create greater awareness of educational opportunities available in local communities across the state and to foster greater involvement in lifelong learning pursuits.

Savannah Tech’s Adult Education Program provides accessible and high-quality education, serving those who need to improve their basic literacy and math skills, improve their oral and written English, practice for the GED® test to attain an HSE degree, and prepare for college. Instructors also help students with science and social studies test preparation for GED® testing.

STC teaches adult education classes in the morning, afternoon, evening and online. They are offered in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Adult education classes for GED®-prep are currently free for all U.S. citizens. To register for free GED® classes, call 912.443.5446 or visit www.savannahtech.edu/FreeGEDClasses. For GED® testing information, go to www.ged.com to sign up to take test or go to www.savannahtech.edu/testingcenter to learn more about our testing locations.

#2443 | April 26, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College’s Center for Traditional Craft will offer a stained-glass weekend workshop featuring copper foil and lead came techniques May 18-19, 2024.

The two-day workshop will feature both copper foil and lead came techniques. It will be led by Preservation Artisan Terry Koller. Participants will learn to use tools to select, prepare and cut stained glass. The March workshop teaches the technique of using thin copper foil to wrap the colorful glass pieces. The April workshop will focus on fitting glass pieces into channeled strips of lead. Both workshops will teach participants how to fuse pieces together. Tools and materials will be provided.

Cost workshop is $175 per person. All skill levels are encouraged to attend. Participants must attend both days and will make a stained-glass piece to take home. The workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at STC’s Historic Preservation lab (5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, 31405). Register by the Thursday before the workshop (May 16, 2024) at www.savannahtech.edu/weekend-workshop.

Koller has a rich educational and training background in preservation. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Design from Triangle Technical College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, completed coursework in Civil Engineering at Point Park University, also in Pittsburgh, and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Historic Preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design. He completed a two-month program in Sienna, Italy with Villanova University and Rosemont College focusing on Renaissance Art and Architecture, Art Restoration, the modern Italian Art Industry, and the Italian Language. Koller has worked in Construction, Craft, and the Field of Historic Preservation for over 30 years. Koller has been employed by the Coastal Heritage Society for 20 years managing the operation and care of six museums in the Savannah area.

As the only public hands-on Historic Preservation program in Georgia and one of seven in the U.S., Savannah Technical College has led the way in preservation education, specializing in training not typically held by construction workers. The program has gained international recognition and has contributed to a number of community-based preservation projects in the surrounding communities. Traditional Building Magazine named Savannah Tech’s Historic Preservation program one of the nation’s Up and Coming programs. For more information about Historic Preservation, contact STC Industrial Technology Advisor at 912.443.5859 or landerson@savannahtech.edu.

The College is offering 8-week courses for its summer semester that begins May 28. Apply today to start training for a career in preservation.

#2442 | April 26, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College’s Foundation raised more than $100,000 at the 19th annual Opportunity Gala honoring Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. on March 28, 2024. Nearly 250 celebrated Gulfstream’s commitment to workforce development, hiring locally and building the region’s talent pipeline.

Led by event co-chairs Kay Ford (STCF Board Chair) and Monica Dorsey, the event honors deserving leaders and businesses in the local community for a lifetime of service in creating and enhancing opportunities for others to succeed. 

Thank you to the sponsors for their support of the event:

President’s Club: EnviroVac, Gulfstream, Savannah Economic Development Authority.

Dean’s List: Bank South; Coomer, Coomer & Routher, P.C.; Georgia Ports Authority; Goodwill Southeast Georgia; Naturals 2 Go; HunterMaclean Attorneys; The Pinyan Company; Rolls Royce; Savannah Hilton Head International Airport; Thomas & Hutton.

Alumni Club: Ameris Bank; Architecture 101; AT&T; Bonitz; Choate Construction; Club Car Championship; Dorsey Tire; Effingham County Industrial Development Authority; Ele and the Chef; Kinder Morgan; Hansen; Holland, Bromley, Barnhill & Brett; Image Hotels; International Paper; JIT Warehousing & Logistics; Karen & Ted Kleisner;  National Office Systems; Mary Reynolds Morrison; Savannah Area Chamber; Jacqueline & Ken Sirlin; and Sterling Seacrest Pritchard.

In-Kind: Thanks to WTOC-TV for the videos and Stage Front for event excellence.

The four-course menu featured a salad and entrée developed by STC Culinary Arts student Sohan Bolle. The meal was prepared and served by STC Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts student. Use this link for event photos. To watch event videos visit: Video #1 (Savannah Tech); Video #2 (Gulfstream); Video #3 (Student Success).

The event is a fundraiser for the Savannah Technical College Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that raises funds to support Savannah Technical College. STC Foundation Board members are leading the fundraising efforts.

Founded in 1984, the Savannah Technical College Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization that exists to raise and disburse funds to support the College’s efforts to enhance learning, workforce training and economic development in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties. The Foundation also supports student success through its many privately funded scholarships.

#2441 | April 25, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Twelve students from the Savannah Technical College Peace Officer Academy celebrated graduating from the program with a ceremony this week. These graduates have completed coursework containing the entire Georgia Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Law Enforcement Training Course. Their successful completion of the program qualifies them to be state-certified peace officers.

This is the 44th group of students to complete the program since its inception in 2009. To date, the program has graduated more than 400 P.O.S.T.-certified officers. Eight of these graduates have been hired by area police departments. STC’s Peace Officer Academy has a 100% placement rate (AY22).

Each cohort selects a fallen officer for whom the graduating class will be named. The cohorts have a tradition of giving the family of the fallen officer a challenge coin dedicated to the officer. A challenge coin is a symbol of an unbreakable bond of dedication and allegiance among military personnel and law enforcement officers. The challenge coin tradition started as a military tradition in World War I and was later adopted by law enforcement.

This cohort honors Cpt. Joseph “Joe” W. Manning of Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, who passed away on August 25, 2021. Cpt. Manning had served with Wayne County Sheriff’s Office for thirty-one years in various positions such as a Jail Administrator, Arson Investigator, Deputy Coroner, Sniper and Honor Guardsman. He was survived by his wife, children, family and friends.

The Basic POST Certification Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become competent law enforcement officers. The 11-week cohort program utilizes classroom instruction pertaining to criminal justice theory and the prevailing principles of modern law enforcement, as well as practical application of pertinent enforcement skills. College coursework contains the entire Georgia Peace Officers Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Law Enforcement Training Course so that successful completion of the program will qualify the student to be a state-certified peace officer. Students that qualify for HOPE may receive additional funds through the HOPE Career Grant with this program.

This TCC offers a first step in law enforcement.  Select courses in the Basic Law Enforcement Certificate program transfer towards an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice.  Many agencies pay all or part of the tuition for officers to work toward degrees in criminal justice, police science, administration of justice, or public administration and pay higher salaries to those who earn one of those degrees.

For more information about the Peace Officer Academy visit www.savannahtech.edu/PeaceOfficerAcademy or contact the office at 912.443.5191 or njones@savannahtech.edu.

The next cohort begins in May 2024. The College is recruiting now for the fall cohort, which begins September 9.

#2440 | April 22, 2024

Savannah Tech’s National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) chapter won the Overall Membership Increase recognition at the Georgia State Leadership Conference. The College’s membership increased 24% for AY23 with 158 new members compared with AY22. NTHS membership at Savannah Tech requires a 3.5 GPA, 12 earned credit hours, and a faculty nomination.

NTHS State Executive Director Annie Harp presented the award to STC’s NTHS members prior to the conference. 

#2440 | April 16, 2024