Pictured l-r Wiregrass Auto Collision and Sheet Metal Fabrication Instructor Roy Bramley, Auto Collision Repair student Jacquelyn Mallard, Automotive Technology student MJ Johnson, Wiregrass Automotive Technology Instructor Toby Heard, Automotive Technology student Parke Goodall, Welding Technology student Michael Ward, Wiregrass Welding Technology Instructor Wally Rewis, Wiregrass Industrial Systems Technology Instructor Phillip Taylor, Industrial Systems Technology student Jesse Ragan, Wiregrass Air Conditioning Technology Program Coordinator Scott Watson, Air Conditioning Technology student Russell Crawford, and Whitehead Industrial Hardware Principal Johnathon Miller.

Valdosta, GA – Thanks to support from Whitehead Industrial Hardware of Valdosta, Wiregrass students who are preparing to graduate now have the tools needed to go to work. Recipients of the Whitehead Distinguished Tradesman Award received a plaque and a $250 credit to purchase tools for their new jobs. "It's a great honor to have the opportunity to present each of these deserving individuals with the Whitehead Distinguished Tradesman Award,” shared Jonathan Miller, Whitehead Industrial Hardware Principal. “All of us here at Whitehead salute the modern tradesman and believe in the importance of recognizing the hard work and success of these students. Skilled labor is a critical component in the attraction of new industry to our region. As a community, we must advocate and support the careers of these commendable graduates."

Wiregrass future graduates recognized were:

• Jacquelyn Mallard - Auto Collison Repair, Valdosta Campus (nominated by Auto Collision Repair Program Coordinator Roy Bramley)
• Michael Ward - Welding, Valdosta Campus (nominated by Welding Instructor Wally Rewis)
• Jesse Ragan - Industrial Systems Technology, Coffee Campus (nominated by Industrial Systems Technology Instructor Phillip Taylor)
• MJ Johnson - Automotive Technology, Valdosta Campus (nominated by Automotive Repair Technology Instructor Toby Heard)
• Parke Goodall - Automotive Technology, Valdosta Campus (also nominated by Toby Heard)
• Russell Crawford - Air Conditioning Technology, Valdosta Campus (nominated by Air Conditioning Technology Program Coordinator Scott Watson)

The award recipients have access to trained employees at Whitehead who are very familiar with their industry and the tools needed for the company they are employed with. Auto Collision Repair student Jacquelyn Mallard shared, "I was truly humbled to be a recipient of the Whitehead Industrial Tradesman Award. I find it admirable the way they support local trades and those who are training to enter the workforce by partnering up with Wiregrass directly and providing a $250 credit for recipients to purchase any tools they may need for their training. I am honored and extremely grateful to Wiregrass and Whitehead for the opportunity and of course, it wouldn't be possible had I not been nominated by my awesome instructor, Roy Bramley." Mallard was also the college’s 2020 GOAL winner as well as a state finalist.

“Wiregrass appreciates our friends at Whitehead for impacting the lives of our graduates who are now equipped to impact the economy of our local communities,” added Dr. Tina K. Anderson, Wiregrass President. Whitehead and the Miller Family have given out more than $5,000 in monetary awards since the inception of the program.

Those interested in learning how to enroll in one of Wiregrass’ Technical and Industrial programs, visit wiregrass.edu. The college is accepting new students for the Spring Semester, classes start January 11. To find out how your business or industry can partner with Wiregrass, contact Crissy Staley, Wiregrass Executive Director of Fundraising, by calling 229-333-2124, or by emailing crissy.staley@wiregrass.edu.