The University of Georgia held its spring commencement exercises May 8, with Alton Brown, who writes, produces, directs and stars in “Good Eats,” serving as speaker at the undergraduate ceremony. In addition to being the first Peabody Award-winning host for the Food Network, Brown has written several books, including “I’m Just Here for the Food,” which won the 2003 James Beard Foundation Award for best cookbook in the reference category.

The following students from Effingham County were awarded their degrees:
Lindsey Elizabeth McIntyre of Rincon received a B.S. in Education
Erin L. Cutright of Rincon received a Bachelor in Business Administration
Amanda Louise Dobbs of Springfield received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
Brooke Nicole Edwards of Bloomingdale received a B.S. in Education
Kelly Christine Jackson of Guyton received a Bachelor of Science
Gregory Shane Jodrey of Rincon received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Ryan Daniel Millar of Springfield received a Bachelor in Music
Jessica Rachael Sigmon of Guyton received a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor in Business Administration
Paul Taylor Smith of Guyton received a Bachelor in Business Administration
Ryan Cornelius Tucker of Rincon received a Bachelor of Music
Brittany Elizabeth Waltz received a Bachelor in Business Administration
Sarah Lesley Weitman of Springfield received a Bachelor of Arts