TIFTON — Tift County Board of Education took a moment earlier this month to recognize the outstanding academic achievement of many of Tift County Schools students – some of whom would be recognized by the board for the last time.

Board members called attention to the top students of Tift County High School, wanting to honor them for all of their hard work.

Among the students recognized were valedictorian Hannah Walker, as well as salutatorian Erynn Allison and STAR students Michal Gregus and Benjamin Wilson, all four of whom received certificates commemorating their achievements.

Dr. Adriana Gregusova and Cindy Marzen, STAR teachers for Gregus and Wilson respectively, were praised and recognized, too, and called up to stand alongside their students and receive a certificate as well.

In addition, students of the Tift County High School Career, Technical and Agricultural Education program were recognized for their recent success at the Georgia Career and Technical Instruction state competition, where many of the students in the program took home top-ranking placements in various fields.

Frank Bowyer placed first in automotive service technology, while Melvin Hines did the same in construction technology.

Kenijah Bell and Brock Fitzgerald each took home second place, Bell in early childhood education and Fitzgerald in woodworking.

Jaquan Stafford, Rakim Billington and Raleigh Pope ranked third in technology skills, florticulture and computer applications, respectively.

Dajhirena Ford received special recognition for obtaining the CTI State Officer Leadership Award and Devon Babcock earned the prestige of being elected as state president of the Georgia CTI State Officer Team.

The CTI team accomplished much at the competition, raising $77 in the CTI State Fundraiser benefitting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, placed third in Outstanding Chapter of the Year and became a Platinum Youth Improvement Quest member.

Christopher Paulk, Tift County High School CTI coordinator, praised the students for their efforts and thanked board members for the opportunity to share that praise and prestige for these students with those present at the meeting.