Green & Gold Gala honors ABAC leaders

TIFTON — Leaders from various clubs and organizations at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College were honored recently during the college’s annual Green & Gold Gala, hosted by ABAC’s Student Government Association.

For the second consecutive year, the college’s Pre-Vet Club was honored as the Club of the Year. With 72 active members, the Pre-Vet Club comprises ABAC students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. Along with its participation in several campus events, the club spent more than nine months planning its first “Cattle Classic” last September. The event drew dozens of 4-12 grade students from four states that showed 110 cattle.

“The club had 135 ABAC students that helped pull the event off,” Shawn Burnette, ABAC’s coordinator of student activities, said. “Their roles included seeking sponsorships, setting up social media accounts for the event, establishing an online registration process, designing and ordering items, reserving the facility, cleaning the facility before and after the event, organizing all of the volunteer efforts and much more.”

The staff of “The Stallion,” ABAC’s student newspaper, also honored the annual Pacesetter Award winners, selected annually from among ABAC students, faculty, and staff members for their outstanding service to ABAC and its students. Abby Clark, the Marketing Media Coordinator in the Office of Marketing & Communications, was named this year’s Superior Pacesetter.

Also receiving awards were students Izzy Altieri, Nicolas Johnson and Jenna Williams; Joseph Devaney, an associate professor of History and Political Science; Career Center Coordinator Rachel Frantz; Studio & Media Coordinator Jarroid Johnson; Von Peavy, a lecturer of Agricultural Engineering; Jewrell Rivers, a professor of Sociology and director of ABAC’s African-American Male Initiative program; Hans Schmeisser, a professor of History and Political Science; and Shirley Wilson, an assistant in the Student Affairs Office.

Burnette also presented the “Cabbie Awards,” presented annually for leadership and dedication with the Campus Activities Board. Anslee James received the Cabbie of the Year for Leadership, while Taylor Lucas won the Cabbie of the Year for Dedication.

Sunny Sparrow and Clark, advisors for the ABAC Ambassadors, honored three students for their involvement throughout the past academic year. Jenna Williams was named Ambassador of the Year; Reanna Brown was presented with the Advisor Award, and Laurie Jo Burt was named the Rookie of the Year. The Ambassadors, who conduct campus tours and represent the college at functions throughout the year, are selected for their enthusiasm, leadership ability and communication skills.

Two SGA members were lauded for leadership in that organization. Vice President Tucker Parrish presented Williams with the President’s Award while Cierra Boney won the Star Senator Award. Advisor Diantha Ellis presented incoming SGA members – Rebecca Perez and Tori Wilson from the Stafford School of Business, Reanna Brown and Jeffrey Holland from the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Wendy Gonzalez and Laura Wiley from the School of Arts and Sciences, Judiciary Christopher Marsh, Vice President Laurie Jo Burt, and President Jenna Williams.

Greek Council President Trevor Douthit awarded Hayden Roberts as the Greek Man of the Year, while Emma Harris was named Greek Woman of the Year. Also honored were this year’s Vice President Sydney Barry as well as 2024-25 President Abi Lampp and Vice President Jordan Hurley.