Brantley Named SGTC Student of Excellence

October 1, 2025

Nominees for SGTC’s Student of Excellence Award for October were (front row, L-R) Maryann Reiselbara, Emily Monts, Morgan Tyson, Tomealya Hudson, Tayla Brantley, Katerin Auceda, and Brittany Wills. Back row (l-r) are nominating instructors Andre Robinson, Dorothea Lusane-McKenzie, Teresa McCook, Ricky Watzlowick, Jaye Cripe, Jeana Yawn, and Christine Rundle.

South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) recently held its Student of Excellence ceremony for October, recognizing Tayla Brantley, an Early Childhood Care and Education student from Conyers, as the overall winner. She was nominated by her instructor, Jaye Cripe.

The Student of Excellence award is given each month to one student from select divisions, chosen based on criteria such as grades, participation in clubs and organizations, work ethic, and program completion. Instructors nominate students who excel in these areas.

“She’s the real deal,” Cripe said of Brantley during the ceremony. “She’s caring, concerned, determined, and she seeks and achieves excellence. She’ll go far in education.”

Upon accepting the award, Brantley thanked her instructor and others for their support. “I’m just so honored to have been nominated for the Student of Excellence Award,” she said. “I’m so glad that I chose to come to South Georgia Tech. I feel like you have a lot of opportunities to succeed at this school.”

Tayla Brantley (left) was recently honored as the SGTC Student of Excellence. She is pictured here with Early Childhood Care and Education Instructor Jaye Cripe.

As the overall winner, Brantley received a plaque, a personal letter of recommendation from SGTC President Dr. John Watford, and a $50 award. Her name will also be displayed on the digital marquee and inscribed on a permanent plaque in Hicks Hall alongside past Student of Excellence winners.

Other nominees for the honor were: Maryann Reiselbara of Plains, Barbering, nominated by Andre Robinson; Emily Monts of Americus, Cosmetology, nominated by Dorothea Lusane McKenzie; Morgan Tyson of Americus, Criminal Justice Technology, nominated by Teresa McCook; Tomealya Hudson of Montezuma, Culinary Arts, nominated by Ricky Watzlowick; Katerin Auceda of Americus, Medical Assisting, nominated by Jean Yawn; and Brittany Wills of Ellaville, Practical Nursing, nominated by Christine Rundle.

South Georgia Technical College students excel in over 200 programs leading to a degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit. Learn more and apply for enrollment at www.southgatech.edu. Fall C-term begins October 14.