South Georgia Technical College’s 3rd annual ‘Light Up Your Future’ event best ever

Nearly 1,000 individuals took part in the South Georgia Technical College’s third annual “Light Up Your Future” event recently that featured the campus and its programs of study illuminated with thousands of bright lights. The event was held in Gailey Park on the South Georgia Technical College Americus campus and each program area was represented in the creative event that promoted the outstanding education and extra-curricular activities offered by South Georgia Tech.
“This was a great event,” said South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford. “We have some exceptional instructors that went the extra mile to create fun and exciting displays about the educational opportunities offered here at South Georgia Technical College. This event also allowed South Georgia Tech to give back to the community by hosting a fun as well as informative holiday event. We appreciate all the members of the community who came out to celebrate with us.”
The showcase of programs and beautiful light displays were second only to the enthusiastic sprint of the South Georgia Tech family, students, and community members who came out to enjoy the event. Each of the individual program divisions such as transportation, personal services, business and computers, and industrial and technical programs were transformed into amazing light displays that highlighted different career opportunities.
Children’s inflatable slides and games, Santa Claus, musical groups, give-a-ways, and more were all a part of the celebration. The college also waived the $25 application fee to anyone who applied for the Spring Semester which begins January 9th, 2019. Students may come in before that date and apply, test, and register as part of a one-stop application process. South Georgia Tech will also host another registration and orientation session on Monday, January 7th, 2019.
In the Transportation area, the Caterpillar Heavy Equipment program outlined the large Caterpillar equipment in Christmas lights. The John Deere Agricultural Technology program did the same thing with its large tractors and Diesel and Commercial Truck Driving featured one of the 18-wheel rigs lighted. SGTC’s Electrical Lineworker bucket truck held a lighted wreath high above the scene to light the way to the park.
The automotive programs had a car decked out with lights. The aviation programs had a small aviation trainer wrapped in colorful lights. SGTC’s Aaron’s Rents race car was also centrally featured for the Motorsports program. Fire Science was watching over the Grinch and Santa roasting marshmallows and the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice team had a display set up as well. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety also brought a risk assessment display to be a part of the event.
The business and computer programs had their programs areas set up with lights and holiday wrapping. Adult Education featured a house of educational opportunities encouraging students to make the right choice to continue their education. The health and personal services group had an elf hospital area with lights and different nursing and medical assisting students featured in Christmas attire. The cosmetology group also showcased their wares in bright lights.
The Air Conditioning group featured a refrigerated snow man and Culinary Arts had a display of gingerbread houses that the students had made and decorated as well as a cookie and gourmet hot chocolate bar. The SGTC O’team helped man the station for Culinary Arts.
Santa was on hand for photos with the children and WISK-FM did a live remote. The Furlow Charter School first grade choir performed Christmas selections along with Megan Fowler, and the Americus-Sumter Jazz Band throughout the night. Blow-up games, give-a-ways, lighted toys, cookies, candy, hot chocolate, and more were all part of the exciting and informative night held especially for the community to enjoy.
“This was an outstanding event and we hope that the community enjoyed the lights and learned more about the opportunities available at South Georgia Technical College,” said President Watford.
Photos from the event can be viewed at: https://southgatech.edu/photo/santa-claus-photo-gallery-from-light-up-your-future/ and https://southgatech.edu/photo/light-up-your-future-a-magical-night-at-sgtc/.

The Furlow Charter School choir performed Christmas favorites at the South Georgia Tech “Light Up Your Future” event.

Members of the South Georgia Technical College Aviation Maintenance faculty are shown above with one of the college’s aviation trainers displayed in lights.

The Elf Hospital was set-up by the SGTC Practical Nursing department.