(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Xcel Strategies, a Savannah-based mentoring network founded to support students aged 15-25 and fuel them with purpose and passion to reach their full potential, named the three honorees recognized as 2023 Students of the Year and the Champion of Community Award winner at the organization’s annual Xcel South Georgia Summit. This year’s event was held at Kehoe Iron Works at Trustees’ Garden.
Anthony Jordan was honored as the Bryan County winner. He is successfully participating in the “Getting Up, Showing Up and Speaking Up” program and is a member of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC).
The Chatham County Student of the Year is Amontay Thompson. As a result of his involvement with Xcel, Amontay spent the past summer as an intern at Xcel Summer Skills Camp. He is also enrolling in the Savannah Tech welding program.
Carlos Vila was named Effingham County Student of the Year. Among the many qualities identified, his positive attitude stands out the most. He is currently enrolled in the Savannah Tech welding program.
The winner of the Patrick Mastrianni Champion of Community Award is Terry Inman of Poppell Brothers Flooring in Savannah. Inman is a flooring installation expert who donated his time and trade skills to provide a safe environment for local elementary school students.
The Xcel South Georgia Summit is a half-day event that brings together students, mentors, educators and community leaders to discuss construction, manufacturing, automotive and logistics career opportunities. In addition to the winners, the organization also announced its new manufacturing training program and an innovative Effingham County, Ga. mobile training unit.
“All the members of Xcel are proud of our students of the year. These exceptional young men are the future community leaders we are trying to foster,” said Jay Thompson, Founder and CEO of Xcel Strategies. “And we cannot thank Terry enough for his contributions. He embodies what a community champion truly is.”
Xcel Strategies recognizes outstanding young people as part of their comprehensive program to connect them with area growth industries. Events like the 2023 South Georgia Summit, which offers expo sessions, networking, and the opportunity to connect with sponsors and supporters, have gained Xcel Strategies the endorsement of the business community. The Savannah Joint Development Authority (JDA) recently released its Workforce Development Plan, naming the Xcel Strategies mentoring system a recommended educational resource to adopt on a broader scale. It is the only non-profit to hold that distinction.
