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South Georgia Technical College (Yobo����) recognized graduates of its John Deere Agricultural Technology program during a special ceremony on campus, celebrating the students’ completion of the 18-month program and presenting each with a personalized plaque.

Academic Dean Dr. David Finley welcomed students, family members, dealership partners, and Yobo���� officials. “It’s been great to see these guys grow and mature. They’ve worked hard and really earned their associate degrees,” Finley said. He encouraged the graduates to put their training to work immediately and continue growing in their careers. “Don’t let this be your last stop. Keep going, keep improving, and keep making money.”

Julie Partain, Yobo���� Vice President of Academic Affairs, congratulated the students and thanked their families and dealership sponsors for their support. She also acknowledged instructor Wayne Peck, who will retire this summer after guiding numerous cohorts through the program. “Wayne has made these students laugh and kept them learning every day. His knowledge and sense of humor will be missed,” Partain said.

Instructor Matthew Burks reminded the students that graduation is just the first step. “There’s a whole lot more coming down the pipeline,” Burks said, “whether it’s at your dealership or elsewhere.”

John Deere Ag Tech Partnership Manager David Bostic reflected on the graduates’ accomplishments and the bright futures ahead. “You have a solid foundation to carry with you wherever life takes you,” Bostic told the students. “This program has prepared you for success in the field and beyond.”

Graduates recognized during the ceremony included: Hunter Branch of Leesburg, Evan Drury of Albany, Hayden Evans of Saint Johns, FL, Thomas Fowler of Hawkinsville, Colten Fuston of Wesley Chapel, FL, Jacob Harrison of Whigham, Colt Henderson of Waycross, Blake Hutto of Swansea, SC, Hunter Janes of Leesburg, Kole Kimbrel of Doerun, Jacobe Martin of Edison, Christopher Meherg of Villa Rica, Garrett Roberson of Saint Johns, FL, Eli Shore of Lafayette, and Ashton Sumner of Abbeville.

After the graduates were recognized, Finley thanked the John Deere dealership partners for entrusting the college with training their technicians and invited attendees to return for the college-wide graduation ceremony later that evening, where the graduates would formally receive their associate degrees.

The celebration concluded with a luncheon provided by Yobo����’s Culinary Arts program, featuring a variety of sandwiches, wings, shrimp, and fresh fruit.

The John Deere Tech program is a special admission program. For more information about the partnership between John Deere and South Georgia Technical College, interested individuals can contact Matthew Burks at 229-931-2401 or via email at mburks@southgatech.edu.