Savannah Technical College alumna Skylar Huggett will deliver the commencement address at Savannah Technical College’s 2018 graduation at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, in the Johnny Mercer Theatre at the Savannah Civic Center.

Savannah Tech has awarded nearly 388 degrees and diplomas for students that completed coursework from Fall 2017 through Spring 2018. Also, more than 220 GED diplomas have been earned during that time. Savannah Tech expects about nearly 275 degree, diploma and GED recipients to participate in graduation.

Huggett, a graduate of the Welding & Joining Technology program at Savannah Tech, is the Technical College System of Georgia’s 2017 Student of the Year. She competed for the top student honor as part of the system’s annual Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership program, which recognizes the best students at each of the state’s 22 technical colleges and one Board of Regents college with a technical division.

“I feel it is important to love what you do,” said Huggett in her 2017 GOAL speech. “Not only love it but enjoy what you do. Like you’re doing what you’re meant to be doing. I’m fortunate enough that at 25, I’ve discovered my purpose. I’ve found my place. I love the fumes, the sparks, the bangs and clanks from a welding shop.”

In May of 2017, Skylar earned her diploma in Welding & Joining Technology from Savannah Technical College and graduated with honors (4.0 GPA) while making the Dean’s List. She was the president of the Student Chapter of the American Welding Society and won silver for welding sculpture at the Georgia SkillsUSA 2017 competition.

“Skylar worked above and beyond to complete required course assignments as a student, while working a full-time job as a server most nights and weekends,” said STC Welding and Joining Department Head William Burns.

Upon graduation, Skylar had multiple job offers. Now, she works as a welder at Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems in Savannah. Prior to enrolling at Savannah Technical College, Skylar earned an associate’s degree from Georgia Highlands College.

A Skylar Huggett Women in Welding Scholarship was created in her honor in 2017. This scholarship provides welding tools/equipment to a STC female student with the highest GPA after completion of one semester of study at Savannah Technical College. This student is selected by the Welding & Joining department head based on academic performance.

“After years of searching for a purpose, welding found me, and I love what I do,” said Huggett. “My future is on fire. I know now that I can have a career (not just a job) that I can be proud of - a career to support myself, my family and to chart my future, thanks to technical education.”