TOOLS for success: Oconee Fall Line equips 17 students for their jobs

Seventeen Oconee Fall Line Technical College students recently received the necessary uniforms or equipment from the 2025-2026 Tools for Outstanding Occupational Leadership Students program.

Students receive the program-specific tools required for their careers to help with a seamless transition into the work force without having to purchase the necessary on-the-job equipment. 

“This is a very special occasion,” said OFTC President Erica Harden. “Each of our students were nominated by one of our fantastic faculty members at OFTC.”

They were interviewed by various leaders, recognized by their hard work, dedication and the committee could see their bright future ahead of them. 

The following were this year’s recipients: 

– Jimmy Givens III, nominated by Bradley Huckabee for air conditioning technology

– Bryce Wimberly, nominated by Huckabee for air conditioning technology

– David Penny, nominated by Gary Simpson for automotive technology

– Karessa Hinson, nominated by Bill Adams for construction management

– Abigail Aycock, nominated by Lisa Jones for cosmetology

– Ryan Livingston, nominated by Jones for cosmetology

– Alexis Haigh, nominated by Jennifer Eiland for diagnostic medical sonography

– Alayna Wiggins, nominated by Eiland for diagnostic medical sonography

– Ian Anderson, nominated by Ryan Scarborough for electronics technology

– Gage Harden, nominated Jeff Frady for machine tool technology

– Cynthia Gontorwon, nominated by Brenda Gurr for medical assisting

– Brittany White, nominated by Kerrie Fountain for practical nursing

– Brittany Coney, nominated by McKinsey Bray for radiologic technology

– Tiffany Marsh, nominated by Bray for radiologic technology

– Peyton Edney, nominated by Josh Bridges for wielding and joining technology (Dublin Campus)

– Jaqururis Bridges, nominated by Jeff Frady for wielding and joining technology (Sandersville Campus)

– Rodolfo Rodriguez, nominated by Jeff Partridge for wielding and joining technology (Jefferson Campus)

“These students have earned these tools,” said OFTC trustee Kathryn Willcox. 

She added that the Louie and Evelyn Livingston Family Foundation is happy to offer the TOOLS program each year.

“This is one of our longest running and most distinguish initiatives,” she said. “It is one that truly reflects our commitment to student success and workforce development. As President Harden mentioned, we are incredibly grateful for our sponsors and generous donors who make this program possible.” 

Harden congratulated the students for their hard work and dedication.

“You earned these tools and the opportunity to do something important with them,” she said. “We appreciate the commitment to our college. These tools will help you do a job. Your passion will help you build a legacy.” 

Penny graduated from East Laurens High School a few years ago. 

“It felt good to be selected and receive these,” Penny said. “I just wish more people could be honored and more people be selected.” 

The tools will help him at his job at Lake’s Alignment.

“I will pretty much use these tools every single day,” Penny said. “Instead of having to look all over for my tools, I’ll just go to my toolbox. I don’t have to run around and look to find them. This will help me when it comes to time.” 

Penny praised and thanked Simpson for being his instructor. “He is incredible,” Penny said. “He taught me everything beyond what my dad taught me. We talk every day about tools, cars, racing and hunting. He taught me about different techniques that I already knew.”

Without the Tools program, Penny knows he would not have all of the tools he was able to gain in one day.

“This would normally take me a good while to get a lot of this,” Penny said. “This is worth $2,000, and that’s a lot in today’s economy. One day this could be worth $4,000.” 

As for his time at OFTC, Penny would not change anything.

“I have enjoyed every single day,” Penny said. “I came here with friends I already had from school and then I made new friends.”