Emmanuel University Holds 8th Annual Ag Awards Gala

The Emmanuel Agriculture Department’s graduating class was celebrated, and local farm families were honored in April at the 8th Annual Founding Farmer’s Gala. 

The event in the Swails Center, served as a thank you to the members of the Northeast Georgia community who have been instrumental in the early success of the agriculture program. 

Event sponsors included Emmanuel University, Pinnacle Bank, The Old Corner Hardware Store Lunchroom, and Bar-H BBQ. 

Emmanuel President, Greg Hearn presented King Farms with the Excellence in Agriculture Award. 

King Farms is a multi-generation farm that has been at its current location in the Shoal Creek community since 1910. 

Agriculture Program Chair, Owen Thomason, Professor, Wayne Randall, Emmanuel Clay Target Coach, John Shealy, and Adjunct Agricultural Instructor, Dr. Wanda Thompson then recognized the 2024 graduates from the program. 

Graduates include – 

Emily Hanson

Easton Lindus
Ashlyn Liner
Jonathan Manibusan
Preston Dyer
Reagan Britt

Emily Hanson was presented with the Outstanding Agriculture Student award. 

This award recognizes a student who has shown leadership, personal growth, and dedication to the Agriculture Department.  

Wyatt Chandler, Madison Nimmons, and John Calloway received the Dr. Leslie Hart Fordham Scholarship. 

The endowed scholarship began in the fall of 2022 after the passing of Dr. Fordham who made a huge impact on the students and university during her teaching career. 

Her husband, Randy Fordham presented the scholarship. 

At the event, a silent and live auction took place to raise money for the scholarship fund and provide more opportunities for students to study agriculture at Emmanuel.

Many local businesses and craftsmen donated items to the event. 

Department Chair, Owen Thomason tells WLHR News that local producers willingly open up their farms and agribusinesses for labs, internships and student learning on a regular basis.

He said the  quality of  their graduates continues to get better each year and this year’s  students were exceptional in the classroom and laboratory.