Special to the Herald
SPRINGFIELD – The Effingham County School District’s Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) and Workforce Development program hosted its annual Night of Shining Stars April 29, honoring middle- and high school students for their achievements in CTAE pathways.
Students were nominated by their CTAE teachers for demonstrating excellence in their career pathways, showcasing strong work ethic, leadership, and dedication to their future professions.
“Our CTAE students represent the future of our workforce, and we want to celebrate not just their accomplishments but their passion, persistence, and potential,” said CTAE Director Todd Wall. “We’re proud of every student recognized and thankful for the educators and industry partners who help them succeed.”
Middle School CTAE Students of the Year: Effingham County Middle School: Ivan Jelisejevs; Ebenezer Middle School: Wyatt Verrier; and South Effingham Middle School: Nytanya Erickson
High School CTAE Students of the Year: Third Place – ECHS, Drew Greene; ECCA, Barry Aultman; and SEHS, Key'Shun Favor. Second Place – ECHS, Lena Stoops; ECCA, Keelie Jervis; SEHS, Ariyana Marchant. First Place – ECHS, Haylee Frawley; ECCA, Jordan O’Neal; and SEHS, Abby Nave.
High School Pathway Stars
● Kaylee Anderson Healthcare SEHS
● Barry Aultman Computer Science ECCA
● Avery Billington Teaching as a Profession SEHS
● Reggie Brown Agriculture Education SEHS
● Jaleigha Browner Healthcare ECHS
● Emma Connelly Agriculture Education ECHS
● Jayden Darwood Audio / Video Tech ECHS
● Cory Dekle Healthcare ECHS
● Key’Shun Favor Marketing SEHS
● NyShayiah Foster Teaching as a Profession ECHS
● Haylee Frawley Agriculture Education ECHS
● Saliyah Garvin Early Childhood Education ECHS
● Makayla Grant Business Accounting ECHS
● Drew Greene Work Based Learning ECHS
● Ava Haffner Healthcare SEHS
● Luis Soto James Agriculture Education SEHS
● Keelie Jervis Programming ECCA
● Ariyana Marchant NJROTC SEHS
● Leydis Martinez Healthcare ECHS
● Luca Melegari Business & Technology SEHS
● Dylan Mirucki Biotechnology ECCA
● Austin Morgan Agriculture Education ECCA
● Sophia Morisse Early Childhood Education SEHS
● Abby Nave Work Based Learning SEHS
● Jordan O’Neal Culinary ECCA
● Yadin Price Distribution & Logistics ECCA
● Lily Smith Early Childhood Education SEHS
● Lena Stoope Business &Technology ECHS
● Chloe Teixeria Agriculture Education SEHS
● Bryeen Thomas Engineering ECCA
● Brennan Ward Criminal Justice ECHS
● Marshall Waters Automotive ECCA
Middle School Pathway Stars
● Isaiah Buckner Career Development ECMS
● Matthew Chapman Transportation ECMS
● Jazmyn Clark Computer Science ECMS
● Jaxson Daring Career Development SEMS
● Nytanya Erickson Engineering & Technology SEMS
● Tvishaa Haval Engineering EMS
● Ivars Jelisejevs Engineering & Technology ECMS
● Bhuvan Mahesh Agriculture Education SEMS
● Breeleigh Patrick Agriculture Education SEMS
● Chloe Peavy Agriculture Education ECMS
● River Grace Trevino Business / Comp Science EMS
● Wyatt Verrier Agriculture Education EMS
● Jace Younie Computer Science SEMS
● Emmitt Zipperer Business SEMS
The event also recognized Glen Montgomery of RePowerIT as the CTAE Community Partner of the Year, honoring his commitment to supporting students through mentorship, resources, and career exploration opportunities.
The Night of Shining Stars highlights the impact of CTAE programs in preparing students for success in college, careers, and life. Effingham County School District remains committed to expanding high-quality career education and strengthening partnerships that benefit students and the local workforce.