By Su Ann Bird
AMERICUS – The cars just kept going and the smiles were infectious during the South Georgia Technical College’s “Light Up Your Future” drive thru event, which lit the campus and its degree programs with thousands of bright lights.
This was the 6th annual “Light Up Your Future” event, but only for the second time as a Drive Thru edition. Approximately 300 cars and nearly 1,200 people attended the South Georgia Technical College’s “Light Up Your Future” event, where everyone could drive around campus and see all of the programs and buildings that were lit and decorated for the holiday.
“We have decided to organize the ‘Light Up Your Future’ event again this year as a drive-thru, just as a COVID-19 caution. It was a hit last year and we thought the drive-thru event would be a great way to still allow people to enjoy the Christmas and holiday spirit. We wanted to do something that was safe, but still gave something back to the community, ”said Dr. John Watford, President of South Georgia Technical College.
The event took place along a two mile route through the South Georgia Technical College Americus campus. Each area of the program was represented at the creative event that promoted the excellence of education and extracurricular activities at South Georgia Tech. The cars pulled in on Lindbergh Drive, drove through Pope Center Circle, and then came back on Lindbergh Drive to Transportation Drive and exited Success Avenue.
“It was a great event,” said President Watford. “Every year I wonder how our faculty and staff will improve compared to last year. And every year they surprise and surprise me. We have some exceptional instructors who go out of their way to create fun and exciting presentations about the educational opportunities available here at South Georgia Technical College. This event also enabled South Georgia Tech to give back to the community by hosting a fun and informative holiday event. We thank all members of the community who came to celebrate with us. “
Dr. Watford and his sister Lettie Watford are featured with the SGTC Culinary Arts and Barbering Groups.
Photo by Su Ann Bird
The showcase of programs and beautiful lighting was second only to the enthusiastic sprint from the South Georgia Tech family, students, and community members who came out to enjoy the event. Each of the individual program areas such as transport, personal services, business and computers, as well as industrial and technical programs, were transformed into impressive light displays that highlighted different career opportunities.
In the Transportation division, the Caterpillar Heavy Equipment program outlined the large Caterpillar devices and generators in Christmas lights. John Deere’s agricultural engineering program has done the same with its large tractors, and diesel and utility vehicle driving has lit its large trucks, trailers, and drills.
The automobile programs had a car that was adorned with lights. The aviation programs had a small plane wrapped in colored lights along with the large propeller wrapped in lights. The Aaron’s Rents racing car from SGTC was also featured centrally in the motorsport program. Fire Science showed the fire truck donated by the Americus Fire Department, and the police and criminal justice team had a four-wheeler that was ridden by the Grinch.
The economic and computer programs had set up their program areas with lights and a merry Christmas greeting surrounded by many presents. Adult education displayed a sign and gifts surrounded by snowflakes and Christmas decorations to encourage students to make the right choices to continue their education. The health and personal service groups had different areas lit up with their Christmas gear and the cosmetics group also displayed their wares in bright lights while Santa Claus was given a facial. Barber was also shown in lights. Industrial systems, electrical engineering, electronics, and precision machining and manufacturing gave it all with electronic music, movies, and Santa suits.
Santa Claus and his elves were out at night and WISK-FM 98.7 did a live remote control and played Christmas music. Lighted toys were given away by the Student Affairs group, wrapped peppermint candy canes were distributed by the Commercial Truck Driving Crew and other groups, and Culinary Arts distributed individually wrapped boxes of biscuits, candy, burning stir sticks, and more.
“This was an amazing event and we hope the community enjoyed the lights and learned about the opportunities at South Georgia Technical College,” said President Watford. Photos from the event can be viewed at: https://www.southgatech.edu/photo/sgtc-light-up-your-future-photos/. Individuals can also vote for their favorite exhibit using the QR code provided while driving through or on the SGTC Facebook post.
And it’s not too late to enroll in South Georgia Technical College’s 200+ programs. The spring semester starts on January 12th. A special orientation and registration day is planned for January 10 on both the Americus and Crisp County Center campuses. For more information, visit the website at: www.southgatech.edu or contact the admissions office at 229-931-2394 in Americus or 229-271-4040 in Cordele.
