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 careers. "At Whitehead, we salute the modern tradesman and strongly believe in acknowledging their hard work and achievements. Skilled labor is essential for attracting new industries to our region. As a community, we must champion and support the careers of these outstanding graduates.", shared Jonathan Miller, Whitehead Industrial Hardware Principal.
Wiregrass graduates recognized were:
- T.J. Arroyo – Automotive Technology, Valdosta Campus; Nominated by Automotive Technology Program Coordinator Toby Heard
- Kellton Whitley– Mechatronics, Valdosta Campus; Nominated by Mechatronics Instructor Ryu Sindberg
- Matthew “Ty” Garrick – Mechatronics, Valdosta Campus; Nominated by Ryu Sindberg
- Aaron Parker- Automotive Technology, Valdosta Campus, Nominated by Toby Heard
- Blakely Martin- Carpentry Fundamentals; Nominated by Wiregrass Carpentry Instructor Jon Thacker
- Chason Warren – Welding and Joining Technology; Nominated by Welding Instructor Wally Rewis
The award recipients have access to trained employees at Whitehead who are very familiar with their industry and the tools needed for their new careers.
“Wiregrass students and graduates have been benefiting from our partnership with Whitehead for several years now. Their support of our graduates by equipping them for their careers will, in turn, impact the economy of our local communities,” shared DeAnnia Clements, Wiregrass President. To date, the Whitehead and the Miller Family have awarded more than $5,000 to Wiregrass graduates since the inception of the program.
Those interested in learning how to enroll in one of Wiregrass’ Technical and Industrial programs can visit wiregrass.edu. The college is accepting students for Fall Semester; classes start on August 12. To find out how your business or industry can partner with Wiregrass, contact Elizabeth Vickers, Wiregrass Executive Director for Community Relations and Fundraising, by calling 229-333-2124, or by emailing elizabeth.vickers@wiregrass.edu.
