News and Updates

South Georgia State College Education Students Celebrated at Pinning Ceremony

South Georgia State College held an inaugural pinning ceremony for its education majors in early December of 2022, honoring the students entering their final semester of SGSC’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education program. The event was well received not only by the students but also by faculty, staff, family members and alumni of the college and the program.

This was SGSC’s first pinning ceremony honoring the teacher education seniors who have reached a milestone in their commitment to lifelong learning and professionalism. The pinning ceremony indicates that the program seniors have achieved the required character and competence to engage in full-time student teaching. Seniors commit themselves to the advancement of their own learning and to cultivate their own character. This serves to mark a milestone in the transition to a professional career as an educator. The ceremony also signifies that the elementary and special education students are well prepared and ready to serve in our local communities and school systems.  

Program seniors made the decision to receive medallions instead of the traditional pins. Each senior was ceremoniously pinned by a special person of their choice; a family member, faculty member, spouse, or mentor teacher. After being pinned, the seniors were officially welcomed into the profession by reciting the “Teacher’s Creed”, dedicating themselves to the teaching profession. 

The event was held on both the Douglas and Waycross campuses. Guest speakers for the events were former graduates of SGSC’s teacher education program, Jalin Cothern on the Douglas campus and Kalynne Heirs on the Waycross campus.

Dr. Kit Carson, chair of SGSC’s teacher education program, said, “The pinning indicates that our seniors have achieved the required character and competence to engage in practicing solo teaching. The shortened term for education is EDUC. Not many people know this but each letter represents a special message. The letters mean to express your love for others by giving time, decide what matters most to you, uphold your integrity knowing that your profession has no space for mediocrity, and commit yourself to serving your community and educating the next generation of learners. We are very proud to officially induct our seniors into the teaching profession.”

Dr. Kit Carson, chair of teacher education program; Amy Fitzgerald, assistant professor of education and field placement supervisor; Adam Solomon (Douglas, GA); Jordan Smith (Adel, GA); Autumn McLoughlin (Wray, GA); Hannah Pridgen (Douglas, GA); Alexis Spangler (Douglas, GA); Hope Lewis (Alma, GA); Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers, SGSC president; Nicole Rigdon (Hazlehurst, GA); Cassandra Osorio (Uvalda, GA); Elizabeth Merritt (Douglas, GA); Samaria Wright (Douglas, GA); Marlee Colson (Hazlehurst, GA); and Niki Hersey, assistant professor of education and field placement supervisor.

Speaker Kalynne Heirs; Amy Fitzgerald, assistant professor of education and field placement supervisor; Edna O’Berry (Nahunta, GA); Kayla Forbes (Hortense, GA); Courtney Clever (Hoboken, GA); Mikayla Tyre (Waycross, GA); Isabelle McQuaig (Blackshear, GA); Mary Grace Manning (Jesup, GA); Bailey Williams (Alma, Ga); Dr. Zena Lloyd, assistant professor of education and field placement supervisor; Niki Hersey, assistant professor of education and field placement supervisor; Dr. Kit Carson, chair of teacher education program; Mallory Lairsey (Folkston, GA); Arianna Gaona (Waycross, GA); Payton Merritt (Waycross, GA); Brooke Guy (Millwood, GA); and Taylor Williams (Folkston, GA).