AMERICUS — TaShawna Huff, a Practical Nursing student from Oglethorpe, was named Student of the Month for August at South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) during the monthly student recognition ceremony held in the John M. Pope Industrial Technology Center recently.

Huff received a plaque of recognition and a financial reward for her accomplishments at SGTC. Practical Nursing instructor Michele Ragsdale nominated Huff for the award.

Huff said she decided to go into the Practical Nursing program at SGTC because, “after having many family members in the hospital, I saw what a difference a caring, compassionate nurse can make.” Of her classmates, Huff said, “All of my classmates have given 110%, and I would like to thank them for being with me every step of the way.” Huff also went on to say that “good students are made by good teachers, and SGTC has some of the best teachers out there.”

Ragsdale remarked of Huff, “It was difficult to choose my nominee, as there were quite a few to choose from, but TaShawna stood out with integrity. She aspires to get a Master’s degree in Practical Nursing, and there is no doubt in my mind that she will fulfill that goal.”

This is the most recent of several awards and recognitions of TaShawna Huff. In addition to being a member of the National Technical Honor Society and Skills USA, Huff was also a GOAL (Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership) nominee this year. Additionally, Huff won the bronze medal in Health Occupations Professional Portfolio at the Skills USA National TECHSPO in Kansas City, Missouri after having won the gold medal at the state level earlier this year. She also served as a student representative for the Practical Nursing Advisory Committee.

Each month students from certain programs selected for that month are nominated for the Student of the Month by their instructor’s. This month’s ceremony recognized students in Service programs at SGTC. The winner is selected based on grades, work ethic, participation in clubs and organizations, and how much of their program of study they have completed. Each nominee is presented with a certificate and a SGTC Student of Excellence T-Shirt.

Other students nominated for the month of August include Cedric Clark of Americus, Barbering; Stephanie Lowe of Americus, Cosmetology; Clara Mercer of Leslie, Early Childhood Care and Education; William C. Nowell of Americus, Criminal Justice; Charles Parker of Cobb, Culinary Arts; and Emily Phillips of Ellaville, Medical Assisting.

Nominating instructors were Walter Dennard, Barbering; Michele Ragsdale, Practical Nursing; Dorothea Lusane-McKenzie, Cosmetology (Adrienne Clayton attended on her behalf); Jaye Cripe, Early Childhood Care and Education; Vanessa Wall, Criminal Justice Technology; David Finley, Culinary Arts; and Diana Skipper, Medical Assisting.