Fly High Goose Foundation and CAT Thompson Foundation donate to Adrian “Fly High Goose” Johnson scholarship endowed at South Georgia Technical College

   The “Fly High Goose Foundation” and Thompson Foundation each made $10,000 donations to the South Georgia Technical College Foundation’s Adrian “Fly High Goose” Johnson endowed scholarship recently to provide tool scholarships for Thompson Tractor students enrolled in South Georgia Tech’s Heavy Equipment Dealer’s Service Technology program.

   Adrian “Goose” Johnson, was a 19-year old student from Stockton, AL, who passed away from a tragic car accident in 2019.  He was enrolled in the South Georgia Technical College Caterpillar Think Big – Heavy Equipment Dealer’s Service Technology Program and was months away from graduation.

   His family and friends wanted to honor Johnson and his chosen profession.  The Adrian “Fly High Goose” Johnson endowed scholarship became a reality in less than three months because of the generosity of his family, friends, fellow students, Caterpillar, and South Georgia Tech officials. 

   His parents, Kelly and Amber Johnson and his sister, Sarah, were presented with a framed endowed scholarship certificate from the South Georgia Technical College Foundation at the Caterpillar Dealer’s 2019 Graduation Dinner hosted at South Georgia Tech.  SGTC President Dr. John Watford also presented the Johnson family with Goose’s associate degree from the Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Dealer Service Technology program during the college’s spring graduation ceremony along with the other 2019 graduates.

   Adrian “Goose” Johnson’s parents, South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford and SGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the SGTC Foundation Su Ann Bird made the very first scholarship presentations to seven graduating CAT Think Big students from Thompson Tractor during the Caterpillar Dealer’s 2019 Graduation Dinner prior to the college’s Spring Graduation. Kelly and Amber Johnson also presented each student with a magnetic goose to place on their tool boxes.  “I hope each of you will remember and honor our son’s legacy every time you pick up a wrench or a tool from your tool box,” said Amber Johnson.

    “Goose loved South Georgia Technical College and the CAT Think Big program,” said his mom, Amber.  “This was an important part of his life and we wanted to do something to help like-minded students be able to pursue their career goals.  This endowed scholarship helps honor his memory and creates a legacy to help others.  We thank everyone who helped make this scholarship a reality.”

    South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford thanked the Johnson’s and Caterpillar for their continued support of this endowed scholarship, South Georgia Technical College and its students.

   “We are so sorry for your loss, but I commend you for having the foresight and willingness to give back to others during such a difficult time.  Your generosity will continue to impact the lives of other young men and women for generations to come. Words cannot adequately express how we feel.  We are so grateful that you entrusted us with your son’s education.  He has made an impact on South Georgia Technical College, the students here, and the students who continue to enroll in this program.  We appreciate you and your family and friends for their continued support of this endowed scholarship,” said President Watford.

    The Adrian “Fly High Goose” Johnson endowed scholarship has already benefited 26 different CAT Thompson Tractor students who have enrolled in the South Georgia Technical College Heavy Equipment Dealer’s Service Technology program and will benefit another five students this year.

   South Georgia Technical College serves as the Southeastern Caterpillar Dealers College of Technology and offers extensive technician training for Caterpillar Dealers as part of the specialized Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Program.  Students selected for the two-year program receive practical work experience from their sponsoring dealership during paid internships. 

     The Caterpillar program, which has the theme, “Think Big About Your Future,” features alternating sessions in eight-week increments of classroom instruction and “hands on” experiences for students at participating dealerships.  Upon graduation from the program, the student receives an Associate Degree in Applied Science and a job can be offered at his/her sponsoring dealership.

   For more information or to donate to the Adrian “Goose” Johnson CAT Thompson Tractor Scholarship, contact South Georgia Technical College Foundation Executive Director Su Ann Bird at 229-931-2110, sbird@southgatech.edu or mail contributions to the SGTC Foundation at P.O. Box 6102, Americus, GA 31709 earmarked for the Adrian “Fly High Goose” Johnson scholarship.

   To learn more about South Georgia Technical College and the CAT Think Big program or the over 200 associate degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit programs available visit the website at www.southgatech.edu.