South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) recently recognized the graduates of Law Enforcement Academy Class 26-01 during a formal ceremony held in the John M. Pope Industrial Technology Center on the college’s Americus campus. Four cadets completed the intensive academy program and were honored for their commitment to entering the law enforcement profession.
John Watford welcomed graduates, family members, law enforcement leaders, and guests, emphasizing the significance of the occasion and the importance of workforce education. “We don’t check the box whenever the student completes a class, nor do we check the box whenever they graduate,” Watford said. “We check the box when they become gainfully employed in the field they were studying in.” He praised the graduates for earning the right to wear the badge and encouraged them to “wear your badge with pride and wear it with humility.”
Academy Director Jim Mitchell reflected on the demanding nature of the academy and the transformation of the graduates during the 18-week program. “We are a tough-love bunch here,” Mitchell said. “We have the privilege and the enormous responsibility of forging the protectors of our society.” He described the academy as a place where cadets are pushed beyond what they believe are their limits in order to prepare them for the realities of law enforcement service.
The graduates of Class 26-01 included Ashlyn McClaster of the Montezuma Police Department, Evan Monts of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Zaquiese Teemer of the Terrell County Sheriff’s Office, and Stephen Wagner of the Colquitt Police Department.
Several awards were presented during the ceremony. Cadet Stephen Wagner earned both the Academic Achievement Award for the highest academic average and the Top Gun Award after achieving a firearms qualification score of 298. McClaster was also selected by classmates as class representative.
During remarks on behalf of the class, McClaster reflected on the challenges faced throughout the academy and the bonds formed among the cadets. “We came into this academy as individuals, but we will leave as family,” McClaster said. She thanked instructors, classmates, and family members for their support and encouraged her fellow graduates to serve with integrity and humility.
Lead Instructor and Course Coordinator Joshua Blake praised the graduates for persevering through the academy’s demanding standards. “Nobody accidentally survives this academy,” Blake said. “This is earned.” He encouraged graduates to continue learning, remain humble, and remember the purpose that led them into the profession.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates and ceremonial dog tags symbolizing the cadets’ transition into law enforcement service.
After the ceremony all law enforcement personnel in attendance, active or retired, assembled for a group photo.
South Georgia Technical College’s Law Enforcement Academy prepares cadets through intensive physical, academic, and professional training designed to equip graduates for successful careers in law enforcement and public service. Learn more about the academy and other SGTC programs at www.southgatech.edu.