SGTC’s Keyara Williams receives Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship

March 17, 2026
Delta Kappa Gamma member Fran George (r) is shown above presenting a scholarship check to SGTC Keyara Williams (c). SGTC Early Childhood Care and Education Instructor Jaye Cripe (left) is also shown.
Delta Kappa Gamma member Fran George (r) is shown above presenting a scholarship check to SGTC Keyara Williams (c). SGTC Early Childhood Care and Education Instructor Jaye Cripe (left) is also shown.

   Keyara Williams, a South Georgia Technical College Early Childhood Care and Education student from Americus, was recognized with a scholarship by the Delta Kappa Gamma, honor society for key women educators recently.  Her instructor, Jaye Cripe, was also present at the award ceremony.

   Williams, who was selected as South Georgia Technical College’s (SGTC) Georgia Occupation Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner for 2026, will represent the college in regional and state-level competitions in an effort to earn the prestigious title of Georgia’s Student of the Year and the opportunity to serve as the statewide ambassador for technical education.

  SGTC Early Childhood Care and Education Instructor Jaye Cripe described Williams as a very dedicated student who is also a hard worker.  “Keyara Williams is a wonderful student.  She first enrolled in South Georgia Tech in 2019 but then backed up and worked in the child care industry for four years.  She came back in 2025 and returned with a purpose.  She is a natural teacher, enthusiastic, and I believe she will go as high as you can go in early childhood.  All of us would be blessed to have a child or grandchild taught by her,” said Cripe.

   Williams shared with the Delta Kappa Gamma group that she is from a family of seven and that she is the oldest of five children.  “I never really thought I would be able to go to college because of medical problems I had when I was younger.  I had no direction when I graduated from high school but after I worked for four years in the childcare industry, my mom started talking to me about going to Technical College.

   “She told me about the low cost, flexible class hours, and hands on learning and that there were 22 different colleges in the Technical College System of Georgia, so I couldn’t tell her there were no options,” laughed Williams.

   The Early Childhood Care and Education student shared she had been told all her life that she was going to be a teacher and now she is very glad she chose the education field.  “My grandmother, my aunt, and several other close friends and relatives were teachers so I feel like I am continuing their legacy.  I chose education and found my passion and now I hope to apply that passion to the rest of my life.”

    Delta Kappa Gamma Society is a professional honorary organization for women educators founded in 1929 with the goal of promoting professional growth and excellence in education.  DKG offers members networking, leadership opportunities, and scholarships, while advocating for women and education globally.  Membership is by invitation for women currently or previous employed as professional educators.