Bainbridge College (BC) Technical Studies Division honored 19 students on Main Campus at its annual Work Ethics Reception that took place April 22 in the Tech Studies complex. Three who attend classes at the Early County Site in Blakely are being honored there at a later time.

(left-right) Ashley Grant, Laura Worthy, Jane Felch, Narda Walker, Mary Berwanger, Netarsha Jones, Dorris Tolbert, Rebecca Harrison, Tammy Miller, Cheri Earp, Ernestine Williams, Calla Hartsfield, Charlotte White, Randolph Jenkins, Natrina Cooper, Tyra Stamps and Billy Tillman. Not pictured are recipients James Elkins, Charles Strickland

The event, organized by Angela Baulkman, job placement coordinator, recognized students who exemplified good work ethics during the year and were selected by their instructors.

They were presented their Work Ethic certificates by BC President Dr. Tom Wilkerson. On behalf of James “Bo” Hylton, chair of the Tech Studies Division, Ms. Baulkman welcomed those attending the presentation and spoke about the importance of work ethics.

Honorees and their areas of study are listed by counties. Decatur County: Mary Berwanger, who is studying accounting; Natrina Cooper, studying marketing and management; James Elkins, industrial maintenance; Ashley Grant, administrative office technology; Rebecca Harrison, culinary arts/catering specialist; Calla Hartsfield, medical assisting; Randolph Jenkins, majoring in general studies in the Arts and Sciences Division and recognized for work in technical math; Tyra Stamps, business office technology; Charles M. Strickland, computer information systems; Billy J. Tillman, industrial maintenance; Charlotte White, electrical; Ernestine Williams, early childhood care and education; Laura Worthy, licensed practical nursing, all of Bainbridge, and Cheri Earp of Brinson, medical assisting.

Bainbridge College Work Ethics award recipient Charles M. Strickland is shown with Angela Baulkman, BC job placement coordinator, and Dr. Yu Zhang, who nominated him for the award. Strickland arrived just after the awards presentation because he was practicing his work ethic, attending another class for an exam.

Early County residents: Mary Jane Felch, Narda A. Walker, both of Blakely and studying licensed practical nursing, and Dorris M. Tolbert of Jakin, computer information systems. Students at the Early County Site who are to receive work ethic certificates are Renard V. Thomas, industrial maintenance; Kristan M. Whatley, early childhood care and education, both of Blakely, and Roderick L. Ricks of Damascus, electronics technology.

Grady County: Netarsha Jones of Cairo, early childhood care and education. Thomas County: Tammy Miller of Thomasville, licensed practical nursing.

All BC Tech Studies students are graded on work ethics with 10 percent of each course grade for work ethic. The annual event is part of a program that started in 1999 when Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education (DTAE) adopted a Work Ethics program that was implemented in all technical colleges throughout the state. DTAE is now the Technical College System of Georgia.

The program began because employers had commented that employees often had good occupational skills but poor work ethics. BC’s Work Ethics program strives to instill positive work ethics in its students in the areas of attendance, character, teamwork, appearance, attitude, productivity, organizational skills, communication, cooperation and respect.