Editorial: Round of Applause

Published 12:00 pm Friday, October 25, 2019

The Tifton Gazette offers a round of applause for organizations and individuals doing good things in our area.

National Guard 110th Combat Service Support Battalion

The 110th Combat Service Support Battalion (CSSB) waved farewell to Command Sergeant Major William Skaggs on Sunday Oct. 20, and welcomed Command Sergeant Major Rustin Kilburg to the South Georgia National Guard unit.

According to Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Alice Smith, the command sergeant major’s role is to advise the commander, and ensure the health, welfare, readiness and discipline of the battalion’s soldiers.

The 110th CSSB has been based in Tifton since 2007. The 2,000-person unit supports infantry troops with logistics, supply, transportation and vehicle maintenance. Beyond the field of combat, they are ready to mobilize to assist in national and state-wide emergencies.

Most recently, the unit has assisted with Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Michael relief efforts. According to Smith, Tifton is a very strategic location when an emergency happens within the Southeast.

In the recent hurricanes, Tifton has acted as the staging and send-off point for equipment and vehicles around the state before going to assist in the emergencies. The ability to get from Atlanta or the Florida state line quickly has proven to be a strong asset for the National Guard.

Tift County Athletic Hall of Fame inductees

Coaches, players, family and friends came together Saturday night at Tift County High School to see the 2019 class of the Tift County Athletic Hall of Fame inducted.

Tommy Seward, Regiena Brown, Israel Troupe, Brian Massingill, Worth Bowers, Katie Utley, Eric Taylor, Becky Thomas Austin, the 2014 boys basketball team and the 2011 and 2012 gymnastics teams were celebrated. The Meritorious Service Award went to Jim Clayton.

Members of the 2011 gymnastics team were Kate Anderson, Libby Barbour, Abby Bergeron, Katelyn Brower, Tori Cavanaugh, Courtney Coleman,  Jayde Cowart, Amber Cromer, Carlee Dixon, Alyssa Griffin, Tori Jordan, Tatum Lamb, Ashley McLeod, Beth Roberts, Emilee Roberts and Brooke Youngblood.

The 2012 gymnastics squad consisted of Anderson, Barbour, Katie Bennett, Brower, Cavanaugh, Coleman, Jayde Cowart, Griffin, Lamb, Bryanna McInvale, McLeod, Beth Roberts and Amber Watson. Jodi Roberts was assisted by Lynn Cowart.

Members of the 2014 championship basketball squad were D.J. Bryant, Rashawn Canady, Chris Davis, Quay Fergerson, Preston Horne, Tadric Jackson, Tyrie Jackson, Micah Johnson, Jalen Lewis, Fred Lloyd, Stefan Mills, Hayden Mullinax, Charlie Reinhardt, Ladarius Stewart, Nate Thomas, Steven Waters, Mondo West and Deion White.

Dr. Eric Holland was head coach of the team, assisted by Chris Wade, the late Anthony Bateman and Xavier Holmes on the high school squad and Dallas Neloms, Isaac Alford and Anthony Dennard at the middle school level.

Homecoming Queens

Senior Madison Spikes was crowned Homecoming Queen during the Tift County High School Blue Devil’s football game against Miller Grove High School.

Tiftarea Academy crowned senior Ally Pate as homecoming queen on Sept. 27. Pate received her crown during half-time at the Panther’s football game against Loganville Christian Academy.