Warner Robins, Ga. – Middle Georgia State University hosted a ceremony honoring thirty-eight students for their noteworthy commitment, dedication, and overall achievements contributed to their student body organizations during the 2016-2017 school year. The ceremony was held April 12,2017, in the Student Success Center on the Warner Robins campus. The décor of the ceremony was artfully designed; it resonated a theme of global significance; a passport to success. A constructed portal which led to a 6-foot tall replica of the Eiffel Tower added a stunning touch to the ceremony, as well as the other visual aids.

Photo by Donja M. Harper.

Michael Stewart, Ph.D. in Education and Assistant Vice-President of Student Affair’s, said the Student Leadership Awards recognize outstanding leadership and service exhibited by students involved in student engagement programs. “Student Engagement focuses on learning outside the classroom through involvement in student organizations, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, intramural, club sports and campus/ community service projects,” Dr. Stewart explained.

The ceremony began with a welcoming speech from Corey Guyton, Ph.D. in Philosophy. Guyton’s momentous prelude included thunderous applause for all those that helped make the ceremony a success. He talked about the significance of honoring students who exemplify the inspiring attributes of leaders.

Photo by Donja M. Harper.

Dr. Guyton’s speech was followed up by MGSU’s President, Dr. Christopher Blake. Blake proceeded with acknowledging the importance of celebrating success and finding greatness. He discussed that students should view the ceremony as a way of passing the torch for fellow peers to aspire to.

The highlight of the ceremony was the “Presentation of Awards” to the student leaders. The awards were presented by Dr. Jennifer Brannon. It consisted of distinctive leadership awards for recognition within the various student organizations and concluded with three overall awards for outstanding recognition.

Photo by Donja M. Harper.

The 38 students honored included:
Christopher Price, Brothers of Leadership & Distinction
Ciyanni Hunter, Campus Activity Board – Cochran
Brandi M. Harrison, Canterbury Club
Grace Terry, Georgia Academy
Kieston Standfield, Men’s Varsity Basketball
Julie J. Davis, Mock Mediation Team
Thomas Smith, Peer Career Advisor Club
Jasmine Miller, Queens of Knights
Samantha Morgan, Sigma Kappa Delta
Jamia Orange, Sisters Attaining Self Success
Alan Kalinda, Southeast Model African Union
Kristina R. Troili, Student Art League
TyAsia Grayer, Women’s Varsity Basketball
Hannah Gullickson, Women’s Varsity Soccer
Tiana Bell, Multi-Cultural Association
Victoria Monetta, Campus Activity Board – Eastman
Emily Lambert, Women in Aviation
Clayton Vedder, Accounting Association
Quaid Stone, Association of Healthcare Executives
Shaniqua Smith, Black Student Unification
MiTyrra Montgomery, Campus Activity Board – Macon
Erin R. Lucas, Central GA Information Systems Security Association
Jennifer Martin, Chamber Singers
Sarah L. Kirk, Cyber Knights
Patrick Layson, English Studies Organization
DeMarcus Beckham, Gay-Straight Alliance
John R. Legg, History Student Organization
Rachel Hastings, Honors Student Association
Alexandra Cooper, Internal Audit Association
Hunter Holland, Kappa Sigma Fraternity
Chris Ely, Middle Georgia Respiratory Education Action Team
Shekennia Grover, Model African Union
Amanda Johnson, President’s Torch Society
TeAndre Dennis, Student Government Association
Stephanie Breitenbach, Student Media
Jonathan Almendras, Student Veteran Association
Tina Scott, Campus Activity Board – Warner Robins
Carmeshia Primus, Student Employee of the Year

Following the ceremony, there was fellowship, with guests joining faculty, staff, and honorees for a reception which included a full buffet of refreshments.

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Published by Don Harper

Don Harper's passion for writing came at an early age. As a second grader, he wrote his first short story, one about his father, a fireman. His teacher typed and edited it, and made the story into a hardbound book. This cherished memory inspired this now 35 year from Milledgeville to create. He is also fascinated by the culture of hip-hop. He began to write poetry and lyrics, and by the time I was in high school had joined a music group who performed live shows and even opened up for some major artists. His current endeavors include working on a trilogy of short stories and finishing his studies at Middle Georgia State University. He is completing his Bachelor of Arts, majoring in New Media and Communication. He hopes to one day acquire a position as a writer for a major network and to also have penned a best-selling novel.