Sergio Perez Named SGTC Student of Excellence

November 18, 2025
Seated (l-r) are SGTC Student of Excellence nominees Mariah Mejia, KaRon Washington-Jackson, Patricia Rice, Lauren Woodham, Sergio Perez and Kiley Thaxton. Standing (l-r) are nominating instructors Jason Wisham, Starlyn Sampson, Brandon Dean, David Grant, Charles Christmas, Chase Shannon, and Kevin Beaver. Not pictured is nominee Cordellius Solomon.
Seated (l-r) are SGTC Student of Excellence nominees Mariah Mejia, KaRon Washington-Jackson, Patricia Rice, Lauren Woodham, Sergio Perez and Kiley Thaxton. Standing (l-r) are nominating instructors Jason Wisham, Starlyn Sampson, Brandon Dean, David Grant, Charles Christmas, Chase Shannon, and Kevin Beaver. Not pictured is nominee Cordellius Solomon.

Sergio Perez of Americus was honored as the South Georgia Technical College Student of Excellence for November during a recent ceremony on the Americus campus. Perez studies Diesel Equipment Technology and he was nominated for the award by his instructor, Chase Shannon.

“Sergio shows great leadership, he’s trustworthy, and he helps others out when needed,” Shannon said. “He’s willing to go the extra mile to achieve his goals, and I know he will do well in his endeavors.”

Upon accepting the honor, Perez thanked his instructors, family, and classmates, adding “I’m really looking forward to the future. This nomination means a lot to me, to have all my hard work noticed. Thank you.”

SGTC Student of Excellence winner Sergio Perez (left) with Diesel Equipment Technology instructor Chase Shannon.
SGTC Student of Excellence winner Sergio Perez (left) with Diesel Equipment Technology instructor Chase Shannon.

Other students chosen as students of excellence in their respective programs were: Mariah Mejia of Montezuma, Aircraft Structural Technology, nominated by Jason Wisham; Cordellius Solomon of Americus, Auto Collision Repair Technology, nominated by Starlyn Sampson; KaRon Washington-Jackson of Decatur, Automotive Technology, nominated by Brandon Dean; Patricia Rice of Jacksonville, Aviation Maintenance, nominated by David Grant; Lauren Woodham of Statesboro, Avionics Technology, nominated by Charles Christmas; and Kiley Thaxton of Butler, Motorsports Vehicle Technology, nominated by Kevin Beaver.

Each month, students from certain divisions are nominated for the Student of Excellence award by their instructors. The Student of Excellence is chosen based on a number of criteria, including grades, work ethics, participation in clubs and organizations, and amount of program completion.

As the winner, Perez was awarded with a plaque of recognition, a personal letter of recommendation from SGTC President Dr. John Watford and a $50 check for his accomplishments. Additionally, his name will be displayed on SGTC’s digital marquee as well as inscribed on a plaque in Hicks Hall among previous Student of Excellence winners. Each nominee was awarded with a nomination certificate and an exclusive student of excellence t-shirt.

South Georgia Technical College offers over 200 diplomas, degrees, and technical certificates of credit in a variety of programs plus many opportunities to get involved in campus life beyond the classroom.

Through November 30, apply for admission online at www.southgatech.edu with no application fee using the discount code FREEAPP26. Spring semester classes begin January 7.