OFTC honors 17 students with TOOLS

Seventeen students from Oconee Fall Line Technical College were honored during the annual Tools for Outstanding Occupational Leadership Students (TOOLS) program held last week at the DuBose Porter Center.

This year’s recipients were: William Fuller, air conditioning technology, Sarah Barlow, associates of science in nursing, Blake Clements, construction management, Courtney Brooks, diagnostic medical sonography, Grayson Maxwell, electrical control technology, Devonte Brown, industrial systems maintenance, Cole Gaultney, mechatronics technology, Lauren Hammock, medical assisting, Jennifer Timmons, medical assisting, Ashley Howell, practical nursing, Kailey Goolsby, radiologic technology, Zachary Floyd, radiologic technology, Brianna Ellison, respiratory care, Timoy Ellis, respiratory care, Cason Davis, welding & joining technology, Preston Robinson, welding & joining technology, and Nicholas Rowell, welding & joining technology.

Recipients were awarded program-specific tools that will help them in their careers so that once they graduate so they can seamlessly transition into the workforce without having to purchase the necessary on-the-job equipment or tools.

“This is our 26th TOOLS program at OFTC,” said Michele Strickland, vice-president of academic affairs at OFTC. “We have 17 outstanding students who will receive the tools for their careers.”

The program is sponsored by the Louie & Evelyn Livingston Family Foundation. Corporate donors were Morris Bank, OFTC Foundation, Inc., Fairview Park Hospital, WestRock, First Laurens Bank and Geo D Warthen Bank. 

Kathryn Willcox, chairman of the board of trustees for the OFTC Foundation, said they are pleased to offer the TOOLS program.

“It’s my personal favorite,” she said. “Without the sponsors and donors we wouldn’t be able to do this. It makes a big difference in the student’s lives and in our community.” 

Each student had an instructor nominate them for their award. The instructors were called on to talk about their students. Fuller, who was nominated by Bradley Huckabee but was not able to be at Wednesday’s event, was described by an instructor as being someone who demonstrated many qualities. Fuller, from Eastman, planned to continue working at his current position before going out on his own.

Barlow, was nominated by Kelly McAdams, who also was not able to take the podium. Barlow, from Dublin, was described as someone who had a deep desire to care for others and will make a good addition to the nursing world.

Bill Adams nominated Clements, from Rentz.

“Blake basically does everything that needs to be done without being asked,” Adams said. “Blake helped other students learn. We tell students that they will always be training others.” 

Jennifer Eiland talked about Brooks, from Soperton, the student she nominated.

“(Brooks) was running down the wrong path,” Eiland said. “She had to gain everyone’s trust. She was pregnant when she arrived at OFTC. She took it one step at a time and ended up mentoring others. She has overcome and persevered.” 

Maxwell, from Louisville, was nominated by Mark Stewart.

“Grayson has a great attitude,” Stewart said. “He’s great in class. He’s got a bright future ahead of him.”

Brown, from East Dublin, and Gaultney, from Dexter, were nominated Ryan Scarborough.

“They both represent the value of OFTC,” Scarborough said. “They’ll be good in the field and they’ve been a joy to teach.” 

Brenda Gurr nominated Hammock, from Dexter.

“(Hammock) didn’t know what she wanted to do,” Gurr said. “When I think about Lauren I think of someone with a really kind heart. … My wish for you is to continue to deal with a mean world with your acts of kindness. I hope you continue to be the person you are.”

Gurr also nominated Timmons, from East Dublin.

“(Jennifer) was really shy and she is small in stature, but she makes up with that with her personality,” the instructor said. “She took the time to take care of everyone else. She is an asset to the medical field. (Jennifer), you know you make a difference in the lives of others. Don’t change.” 

Scott Gray went to the podium to talk about the student he nominated, Howell, from Milan.

“Ashley followed her grandmother into nursing,” Gray said. “She is very few who have made it through nursing school with straight A’s.” 

McKensey Bray nominated Floyd, from Danville, and Goolsby, from Dublin.

“Zachary consistently demonstrated his academic responsibilities,” Bray said. “He has a willingness to assist his classmates. The TOOLS awards will provide him with the tools he needs. His hard work and perseverance will lead him through his career.” 

Bray said Goolsby demonstrated an outstanding work ethic and passion for learning.

“She has a willingness to go above and beyond,” the instructor said. “She has remained focused on her goals. The TOOLS will provide her with financial support for her profession and she will continue to excel in her career.” 

Natalie Smith talked about Ellison, from Sandersville.

“She is passionate about helping other people,” Smith said. “She worked hard in the classroom and clinic. She deserves these awards for her hard work and dedication.” 

Ellis, from Dublin, was nominated by Kelley Braxton. 

“Timoy wanted to help others and serve the community while making a decent living to support his family,” Braxton said. “He has worked hard and mostly never complained. Timoy has showed excellent leadership throughout the program.”

Jeff Partridge was called on to talk about Davis, from Warrenton.

“I know students have benefited greatly from (the TOOLS program),” Partridge said. “Carson is a rare student you don’t hear anything out him because he is so quiet but busy. He has a great work ethic and he has a very bright future for whoever employer he works for.” 

Tony Simmons followed by talking about his nominee, Robinson, from Warthen.

“Preston’s work ethics were the first thing I noticed about him,” Simmons said. “He liked to work and he did it very well. He worked diligently to develop his welding skills and he was eager to learn.”

Simmons also thanked OFTC and the foundation for the TOOLS program.