Essence Jones, the president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Student Government Association (SGA), was presented with an Outstanding Citizenship Award at a recent Georgia Student Government Association (GSGA)/National Technical Honor Society (NHTS) conference. Jones received her award on February 10, 2018 at a function held at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia.
“Once again, one of our students has been recognized for demonstrating outstanding leadership abilities,” said Dr. Jabari Simama, president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College. “Ms. Jones’s dedication to her role as Student Government Association president manifests itself through her ability to collaborate with fellow SGA officers, and her active involvement in fundraising projects as well as food drives. I’m proud of her for winning this award, and I’m certain she is very deserving of this honor,” Dr. Simama concluded.
According to the Outstanding Citizenship Award nomination guidelines, GSGA looks for members who are active on campus, who volunteer in the community, who continuously recruit new members, and who participate in Student Government Association activities.
“Before Essence became a credit student, she wanted to engage in Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s campus life, so she joined the Student Activities Volunteer Extraordinaire (SAVE) club,” said Christine Hamilton, campus life director. “Since taking office, President Jones been a beacon of light for all of our clubs and organizations. Essence regularly represents SGA at college events such as the Student Success Academy, Convocation, State of the College, Honors Day and Commencement. During her time as president, she has spearheaded initiatives such as the Thanksgiving Basket Drive and our Angel Tree project, both of which provide food or gifts for needy Georgia Piedmont families,” Hamilton stated. “Essence has a bright future ahead of her, as she goes from obtaining a GED to earning a Ph.D.,” Hamilton said.
“I was shocked; I cried when I won this award,” Jones said. “I was moved by what the nominator wrote about me. I am honored and humbled. I love representing Georgia Piedmont through the Student Government Association,” she said.
In addition to Essence Jones’ Outstanding Citizenship Award, Georgia Piedmont’s Elliott Reese won second place in the Prepared Speech category.
Keith Sagers, chief operating officer at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, served as the keynote speaker at the awards ceremony. The theme of his speech was “Igniting the Greatness Inside.”