South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) hosted “one of nursing’s most cherished traditions” during the Associate of Science (AS) in Nursing Pinning Ceremony for SGTC’s inaugural graduating class of the LPN to RN Bridge program in the John M. Pope Industrial Technology Center on August 7, 2026 at 10 a.m. before a capacity crowd of friends, family and loved ones.
The 26 graduates from the SGTC inaugural graduating class included: Shaniqa Ajabor of Columbus; Trelisha Banks of Americus; Destiny Brown of Columbus; Samiya Campbell of Andersonville; Ahteanna Clark of Andersonville, Brandi Conyer of Gray; Keidisha Dowdell of Americus, Charity Foster of Americus; Kambi Gardner of Buena Vista, Cadeidra Crumbly of Columbus; Rashuna Harris of Warner Robins; Alyssa Harvey of Pineview; Cameron Hebert of Americus; Bridget Johnson of Dawson, Robin Johnson of Albany; Princess King of Cochran; Amanda Moncrief of Reynolds, Kimberly Nipper of Reynolds; Quintero Patterson of Leesburg; Daveta Royal of Cordele, Shecoia Savage of Cordele, Youlander Sawyer f Americus, Macy Singleton of Buena Vista; Ashton Tatum of Americus; Carshena Ugiagbe of Warner Robins; and Jameeiah Williams of Americus.
SGTC President Dr. John Watford explained that this ceremony was a historic day for South Georgia Technical College. “The first nursing class at South Georgia Tech began in 1953. Since that time, we have had various nursing programs including the practical nursing program but we have not had an RN program so this is indeed a special occasion.”
Dr. Watford explained that South Georgia Technical College began awarding Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in 2011, but this is the first time in the proud history of the college that graduates have been awarded an Associate of Science (AS) degree.
“While we certainly want to acknowledge the importance of today for the college, we realize this day is about these students. We are proud and excited for these graduates. This day is their opportunity to dedicate and consecrate themselves to a further career in nursing. They were already LPN’s when they came here. Nursing is a very rigorous program. These students had the tenacity to make this happen and we are very proud of each of you,” added Dr Watford.
Dr. Darrell Thompson Director of the SGTC LPN to Rn Bridge program, added, “this ceremony symbolizes the successful completion of a rigorous educational journey and the beginning of a professional nursing career dedicated to service, compassion, and excellence. The graduates seated before us demonstrated perseverance, resilience and dedication while balancing numerous responsibilities throughout their nursing education. We are very proud of their accomplishments and excited to celebrate with them today.”
Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Kelsey Reed was the keynote speaker at the pinning ceremony. She stressed that nursing is “more than a career, it is a calling. Celebrate today but tomorrow continue to change lives by remembering your ‘why’; always see the world around you through your patients’ eyes because they will trust you in some of their darkest days; and finally, never underestimate the power of your voice. Your voice maters. Some of the best ideas come from bedside nurses. Speak up, show up and always remember to carry ‘your why’ with you every day.”
Youlander Sawyer, a member of the inaugural LPN to RN Bridge graduating class, was selected to provide the student reflection at the pinning ceremony. “Today is the culmination of a perfectly crafted ending to a singularly long tale. Today, we celebrate our happily ever after that began 351 days ago.
“We withstood and we endured. Now we have made it. Today, I stand before you with jubilation. We are the first graduating class of the South Georgia Technical College RN program. Today marks a new beginning or a new chapter waiting to be written. As our guest lecturer told us recently, we have made it to the end of the short road and our future awaits.”
After Sawyer’s talk, Genie Giles, Director of Surgical Services, Oncology/Hematology, LDRP and Newborn Nursey at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, presented the Phoebe Sumter 2026 Clinical Excellence Award. Cameron Herbert of Americus was the recipient.
SGTC LPN to RN Instructors Shayla Collier and Camryn Lynn conducted the pinning of the graduates and led the Nightingale Pledge for the graduates and all nurses in the audience.
Following the pinning of the nurses, Camryn Lynn did the benediction and closing remarks.
SGTC President Dr. John Watford is shown above with SGTC LPN to RN Bridge Program Director Dr. Darrell Thompson, and instructors Camryn Lynn and Dr. Shayla Collier along with Dr. Kelsey Reed and Genie Giles from Phoebe Sumter Medical Center who participated in the SGTC inaugural LPN to RN Bridge Pinning Ceremony.