East Georgia State College launched a Student of the Month Program last year. The program gives faculty and staff at EGSC the opportunity to nominate students based on one or more of the following criteria: commitment to academic growth, engagement in the college community, and contribution to an inclusive and supportive environment. Three students are selected to represent EGSC’s campuses and online degree programs per month. Each student selected will receive a certificate signed by the EGSC President and goodie bag. Additionally, video interviews will be on EGSC’s social media platforms.
For the month of March 2021 from the Swainsboro Campus, Zoie Harrell was named Student of the Month. Brandon Moore was selected from the Statesboro Campus, and Denise Rodriguez was chosen from the Augusta Campus.
Brandon Moore, the Statesboro campus student of the month, is from Adrian, Georgia. He is a non-traditional student who chose to attend EGSC because of the small class sizes and the location of the college. He graduated this month from EGSC and is continuing his education at Georgia Southern University to pursue a Bachelor of Psychology degree. He would also like to get a master’s degree in higher education administration.
Denise Rodriguez was named the Student of the Month on the Augusta campus. She is originally from Germany but has spent almost all her life in Georgia. Rodriguez followed in her sister’s footsteps by attending EGSC. She enjoys all her classes, but she finds biology the most interesting class she has taken. She plans to transfer to Augusta University to obtain her bachelor’s degree and become a dental hygienist.
Zoie Harrel attends EGSC’s Swainsboro campus and is part of the CHOICE Program that is housed on the campus. The CHOICE program provides instruction in the following areas: Career Development and Employment, Academic Enrichment, Campus and Community Engagement, Self-Determination, and independent Living. The CHOICE Program staff creates a unique and customized plan for achievement using a person-centered planning approach. Student participants audit traditional courses, complete specialized CHOICE courses, and participate in job shadowing/internship experiences on and off campus to support career exploration and development of employment skills.
In addition to the academic program, CHOICE participants have access to the Jean Anderson Morgan Student Activities Center, recreation and exercise activities, sporting and entertainment events, and student clubs and organizations. Upon successful completion of the program requirements, participants are eligible for the Certificate of Accomplishment in Work Readiness Skills.
Harrel recently received her certificate of accomplishment during the virtual commencement ceremony at EGSC. CHOICE Program director Theresa Davis said Zoie’s love for life, people, EGSC, and her happiness that radiates to others is why she was named Student of the Month. While she loves her CHOICE classes, Harrell said she really enjoys going to the gym where she can play baseball and work out with her friends she has made. She also works in the EGSC Dining Services Department.
The EGSC Student of the Month Program personalizes the student experience and cultivates a positive school culture where students feel valued. The awards present an opportunity for the college community to demonstrate EGSC values through an investment in the success of students with diverse backgrounds, strengths, and interests. The EGSC Student of the Month Award recognizes students who represent excellence within the EGSC community. Selection of students is based on commitment to academic growth, engagement in the college community, and contribution to an inclusive and supportive academic environment. Up to three awards are selected each month: the goal is to represent the range of students enrolled across the college’s campuses and online programs. Potential awardees may be submitted by faculty and staff.
