Twelve Students Celebrated in Annual Funeral Service Education Pinning Ceremony
Posted on Jan 06, 2026 at 9:51 AM
Twelve students in Ogeechee Technical College’s Funeral Service Education (FSE) program were recognized during the program’s annual pinning ceremony, held Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. in the Joseph E. Kennedy Auditorium.
Bishop Richard Garvin delivered the invocation to open the ceremony. Attendees also heard remarks from Ogeechee Tech Dean Neal Owens, FSE Program Director Michele Rupar-Smith, and graduating student Antonio Johnson.
“This year’s funeral service class reflects a strong commitment to compassion, professionalism, and service,” said Rupar-Smith. “Graduates completed rigorous academic and practical training, preparing them to support families with dignity and care while upholding the highest standards of the profession. Their work marks an important step forward for the future of funeral service.”
Instructors Blair Carson and Barry Turner presented pins to each graduate on stage.
Funeral Service Education 2025 Pin Recipients
Ranaisha Bradley
Leah Deal
Richard Garvin
Alex Hanks
Emelia Holden
Antonio Johnson
Arden Johnson
Kanava Martin
Hallie Noble
Crissy Sharpe
Katlin Sparks
Azlynn Swab
To learn more about the Funeral Service Education program at Ogeechee Technical College, please visit ogeecheetech.edu/academics.
About Ogeechee Technical College:
Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. OTC provides student‐centered academic and occupational programs and support services at the associate degree, diploma, and certificate levels. OTC utilizes traditional and distance education methodologies in state-of-the-art facilities while supporting adult education, continuing education, and customized business and industry workforce training. Visit www.ogeecheetech.edu for more information.
Contact Information
Sean Payne
Executive Director for Public Relations & Marketing
912.871.8559 | spayne@ogeecheetech.edu