Alana Atkinson, a sophomore from Broxton, was awarded the 2020 Academic Recognition Day Award for South Georgia State College (SGSC) by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
Alana was accompanied by her parents, David and Angie Atkinson, and SGSC Dean of Students Sandra Adams to the February meeting of the Board of Regents in Atlanta. The annual Academic Recognition Day Award is presented to one student from each institution within the University System who exemplifies outstanding academic achievement and success. The Lieutenant Governor, Geoff Duncan, paid a special visit at the ceremony prior to the introductions of the students.
“I am honored to be chosen to represent SGSC with this award,” says Alana. “I am thankful my parents were in attendance. They have always supported me and encouraged my academic pursuits, and for that, I am grateful.”
Alana will be graduating from SGSC after the spring 2020 semester with dual associate degrees in Allied Health and General Studies. She plans to continue her studies and pursue a degree in pathology. As a dual-enrolled student when she began at SGSC, Alana was awarded the Highest GPA Award for Healthcare Sciences, the Highest GPA Award for Allied Health and Medicine and the Highest GPA Award for Essentials to Healthcare. She was also recognized as a Coffee High Outstanding Senior, Honor Graduate and Zell Miller Scholar. Alana is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, National Honor Society and National Technical Student Association Honor Society.
While attending SGSC, Alana has managed to maintain her grades while operating her own floral design business, which she began in middle school as a National FFA Association project. “With my business, I have been awarded the FFA Area 6 Star in Agribusiness as well as named a National Top 4 Finalist in Agricultural Sales Entrepreneurship during the 92nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana,” explains Alana. “I was also honored to receive the highest degree possible, the FFA American Degree, while at the convention in Indiana.” Alana is also Georgia Green Industry Association Jr. Plant Professional Certified and a South Region Rally Horticulture Science Senior Champion.
Also, Alana’s VEX robotics team ranked in the top two percent at the World Vex Robotics Championship and her Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science (TEAMS) team placed 10th at Nationals.
Alana has accumulated over 200 community service hours volunteering with events such as STEM Camp, Rebuilding Macon, Camp 151 and designing floral arrangements for Veteran’s Day programs. She is currently serving as a peer tutor in SGSC’s Academic Success Center.
“Alana is an outstanding student with a heart for serving others and a passion for the community. Also, she has demonstrated her exemplary leadership abilities in school and the community. Therefore, it is fitting that Alana is honored by receiving this prestigious award,” said SGSC President Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers. “I commend Alana on her academic excellence and encourage her to nurture the intellectual vitality she has demonstrated at South Georgia State College.”