Jerrell McIntosh Named South Georgia Technical College “Student of Excellence”

October 4, 2019
SGTC Cordele Student of Excellence Jerrell McIntosh (right) is pictured with barbering instructor Xavier Jackson.
SGTC Cordele Student of Excellence Jerrell McIntosh (right) is pictured with barbering instructor Xavier Jackson.

South Georgia Technical College in Americus recently held a ceremony to recognize outstanding students in several program areas. The overall “Student of Excellence” distinction was awarded to Jerrell McIntosh of Dawson. He is a student in the barbering program.

McIntosh was nominated by Xavier Jackson, SGTC barbering instructor. In his comments presenting McIntosh as a nominee for the Student of Excellence honor, Jackson said “Jerrell is different from most of my traditional barbering students in that his dad taught him how to cut hair at a very young age. One day I might end up taking a class from him, he’s so good.”

Jackson stated that McIntosh plans to open his own barber shop in Albany upon completion of his training at South Georgia Technical College.

After opening comments from Dr. Andrea Oates, Academic Dean, instructors from the featured programs presented their nominees for Student of Excellence. In addition to McIntosh, other nominees included: Alonza Thomas, cosmetology, nominated by Dorothea McKenzie; Misty Churunel, criminal justice technology, nominated by Teresa McCook; Nahlah Williams, culinary arts, nominated by Ricky Watzlowick; Sonyona Josey, early childhood care and education, nominated by Jaye Cripe; Rebecca Hinton, medical assisting, nominated by Diana Skipper; and Courtney Surface, practical nursing, nominated by Christine Rundle. Each student was presented a certificate and an exclusive Student of Excellence t-shirt in recognition of their selection as nominees in their respective programs.

Pictured standing (l-r) are SGTC instructors Xavier Jackson, Dorothea McKenzie, Teresa McCook, Ricky Watzlowick, Jaye Cripe, Diana Skipper, and Christine Rundle. Seated (l-r) are student award winners Jerrell McIntosh, Alonza Thomas, Misty Churunel, Nahlah Williams, Sonyona Josey, Rebecca Hinton, and Courtney Surface.
Pictured standing (l-r) are SGTC instructors Xavier Jackson, Dorothea McKenzie, Teresa McCook, Ricky Watzlowick, Jaye Cripe, Diana Skipper, and Christine Rundle. Seated (l-r) are student award winners Jerrell McIntosh, Alonza Thomas, Misty Churunel, Nahlah Williams, Sonyona Josey, Rebecca Hinton, and Courtney Surface.

Once all the nominees were presented, Dr. David Finley, Academic Dean, announced McIntosh as the overall Student of Excellence award winner. In recognition of the honor, McIntosh received a commemorative plaque, a congratulatory letter from SGTC President Dr. John Watford, and a monetary award.

McIntosh then made brief remarks to the audience in attendance. “It’s an honor receiving this award,” McIntosh said. “I’d like to thank Mr. Jackson for giving me this opportunity.”

The Student of Excellence is selected based on a number of criteria, including grades, work ethics, participation in clubs and organizations, and amount of program completion. South Georgia Technical College offers over 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates of credit in a variety of in-demand disciplines. For a complete list of programs visit www.southgatech.edu. It’s not too late to apply now for the fall mini-mester beginning October 7.