2 William James Students Win Awards, Recognition from Governor

Two Bulloch County students were recently honored for their designs in a contest during Manufacturing Appreciation Week. The accolades were recognized by Governor Brian Kemp.

Julia Basquin, an eighth grader at William James Middle School, recently celebrated with Governor Brian Kemp at the Governor’s Awards Luncheon. Basquin won third place in the 2019 Manufacturing Appreciation Week (MAW) student design contest in the sixth through eighth grade category. She received a $100 scholarship check presented by Anne Kaiser, Vice President of Community and Economic Development at Georgia Power, during the luncheon on April 18 at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park.

Aaliyah Lonon, an eighth grader at William James Middle School, celebrated with Governor Brian Kemp as well at the Governor’s Awards Luncheon. Lonon won second place in the 2019 Manufacturing Appreciation Week (MAW) student design contest in the sixth through eighth grade category. She received a $300 scholarship check presented by Anne Kaiser, Vice President of Community and Economic Development at Georgia Power, during the luncheon on April 18 at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park.

“There are so many industries in and around Statesboro,” Basquin said. “They provide so many jobs and we need to praise them for what they do. I wanted to do that through my art and show how they contribute to our state and my community.”

Photo: Julia Basquin

“A lot of inspiring things went into [my design],” Lonon said. “My family does a lot of crop growing and I have other family that works at the Georgia Ports Authority and drives trucks. I just thought I would incorporate all of it.”

Lonon, whose design includes depictions of agriculture and the ports, also included the logos of manufacturers throughout the state of Georgia.

“The design contest exposes students to the rich diversity of career opportunities available in manufacturing, and it fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for how critical manufacturing is to the prosperity of their own local communities,” said Richard Warner, noted Georgia journalist and emcee of the event. “Now more than ever, we need to make young people aware that manufacturing is an area where they can express their creativity, and where their skills are rewarded.”

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