Date Posted: May 19, 2026
Graduates were all smiles on Thursday, May 14, 2026, as 591 Southern Crescent Technical College students celebrated their graduation during the annual commencement ceremonies held at the state-of-the-art Trilith LIVE in Fayetteville, Georgia.
“We celebrate more than degrees today. We celebrate determination, resilience, and the bright futures our graduates have worked so hard to create,” said SCTC President Dr. Irvin T. Clark. “Hosting our commencement ceremonies at Trilith LIVE made this milestone even more special for our graduates and their families. Each graduate represents the strength and spirit of Southern Crescent Technical College and the critical role technical education plays in workforce development across our region. We are proud to prepare graduates for high-demand careers that strengthen local industries, support economic growth, and make a lasting impact in their communities.”
Due to the large number of graduates participating, Southern Crescent Technical College hosted two ceremonies honoring credit and adult education graduates from Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026.
Delivering the commencement address for the morning ceremony was the Honorable Carlos Duffey, Mayor of the City of Jackson. The Honorable Beth Camp, Georgia House Representative for District 135, served as the keynote speaker for the afternoon ceremony. Both speakers delivered heartfelt messages of encouragement and congratulated graduates on their accomplishments while challenging them to continue pursuing success in both their personal and professional lives.
The morning ceremony recognized graduates from programs in Business and Technology, Allied Health, Public Safety, Computer Information Systems, Education, Film Technology, and General Studies. Programs represented included Accounting, Business Management, Cybersecurity, Networking, Web Development, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Care and Education, EMS Professions, Respiratory Care, Surgical Technology, and several healthcare-related fields, along with Adult Education and Interdisciplinary Studies programs.
The afternoon commencement ceremony recognized graduates from a wide range of career-focused programs in skilled trades, transportation, healthcare, public safety, manufacturing, construction, and cosmetology. Programs honored included Air Conditioning Technology, Automotive Technology, Commercial Truck Driving, Construction Management, Criminal Justice Technology, Fire Science Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, Mechatronics Technology, Precision Manufacturing and Maintenance, Welding and Joining Technology, and several healthcare pathways such as Nursing, Practical Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Cardiovascular Technology, and Nurse Aide programs. Graduates were also recognized in cosmetology and personal care fields, including Esthetician, Hair Designer, Master Cosmetology, Nail Technician, and Salon and Spa Support Specialist, highlighting Southern Crescent Technical College’s commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers across the region.
Southern Crescent Technical College’s Rick Perkins Award winner, Dr. Damon McCoy, introduced the morning keynote speaker, while GOAL student winner Lakesha Dorsey introduced the afternoon keynote speaker.
Dr. Clark continued, “The commencement ceremonies were certainly a time for celebration as students were rewarded for their achievements and sacrifices in pursuit of their educational goals and dreams. The graduates have worked diligently for this accomplishment and should be commended for their dedication to education. I look forward to following these graduates as they embark on the next phase of their life journey.”
