Composite sketches by Swainsboro Technical College Criminal Justice students. Guess who they are (identity is in last paragraph of article).

Preparing a composite sketch of a ‘suspect’ using a computer program known as Compu-Sketch is a requirement for students taking the course, Investigation & Presentation of Evidence, part of the curriculum of the Criminal Justice Program taught by Instructor Tony Japuntich at Swainsboro Technical College.

"This is an internationally known computer program, and I believe that students who may be involved in investigations in the future should have some experience using this valuable tool," commented Mr. Japuntich. "I had previous experience with this program when I was a campus chief of police at South Georgia College and decided to order it for our students here."

"The day I introduced our students to Compu-Sketch, I had them just draw anyone who popped into their minds, whether the person was real or not. They easily picked up on the concept and began drawing, having fun with it. After class some of them went down the hall showing off the characters they had drawn, and creating a great deal of interest from other students Later they had to actually draw a specific person and again they enjoyed doing it as their skills were being greatly improved."

Mr. Japuntich explained, "when we purchased the program I inquired about the possibility of obtaining a license that would allow all of our classroom computers to be loaded with the software. Ms. Margie Caputo, Director of Sales for Digital Descriptor Systems, Inc. (DDSI), and Mr. Tony Shupin, the CEO of DDSI, agreed to donate a Compu-Sketch site license to the Swainsboro Technical College Foundation, a value of $1500. With the help of companies like DDSI, we are preparing our students for the realities of the modern work place."

So, who are the persons in the composite sketches? Left to right: Abraham Lincoln, drawn by Theresa Oliver of Wadley; Sherman Hemsley (aka George Jefferson), drawn by Annie Lewis of Wadley; Tony Japuntich (aka the Criminal Justice Instructor), drawn by Kandi Flanders of Kite; Justin Timberlake, drawn by John Poole of Swainsboro.

Pictured: Monique Kornn

Dr. Richard Thornton, Vice President of Instruction at Swainsboro Technical College, announced that Monique Kornn has joined the staff at Swainsboro Tech as Administrative Secretary.

Mrs. Kornn graduated from Swainsboro Technical College with two Diplomas, Business and Office Technology and Information Office Technology. She was an honor graduate, maintaining a 4.0 grade average every quarter. Prior to coming to work at Swainsboro Technical College, Monique worked with Queensborough Company for 7 ½ years and was cross trained in all areas.

Mrs. Kornn lives in Harrison with her husband, Jerry. They have three children. She is very active in the community, participating in several volunteer organizations.

"I have heard a lot about Swainsboro Tech and am really looking forward to the opportunity of working here," commented Mrs. Kornn. "Everyone has been extremely nice and made me feel welcome. The family atmosphere will make working here enjoyable."

Pictured: (l-r) Swainsboro Technical College Vice president of Economic Development Jim Williams; Certified Manufacturing Specialist Trainer Allen Harris, and Vice president of Instruction Dr. Richard Thornton.

In September Allen Harris, Electronics/Automation Instructor at Swainsboro Technical College successfully completed the requirements as a Certified Manufacturing Specialist Trainer at the DTAE Quick Start Training Center in Atlanta.

The Certified Manufacturing Specialist program is a state Certification designed to create an available skilled workforce in Georgia. It is industry driven and is the result of cooperation between Georgia industries and technical colleges.  The purpose of the program is to meet industry requirements for employees with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes to successfully perform in manufacturing positions.  

Students may take the program as a TCC (Technical Certificate of Credit) during open enrollment from Swainsboro Technical College or through cooperation with an area company that participates in the Certified Manufacturing Specialist program.  Areas of study include: Introduction to Manufacturing, Business Principles, Quality, Productivity, Basic Manufacturing Skills, Computers and Automation Skills, and Workplace Success Skills. As a result, the CMS Program is HOPE Grant eligible for qualified students.

"Prior to working at Swainsboro Technical College, I was in private industry," commented Mr. Harris. "I can see that the training provided by the Certified Manufacturing Specialist Program will be a great asset not only to companies in our area but also for individuals that are planning to enter the workforce. It will also be beneficial to anyone that is currently working in industry and desires to be better prepared for promotional opportunities."

Jim Williams, Vice President Economic Development stated: "I am excited to show Swainsboro Tech’s own Allen Harris as the CMS Instructor as we in the Office of Economic Development continue to present this valuable manufacturing program to our existing industry in our Service Delivery Area counties of Candler, Emanuel, Jenkins, Johnson, and Treutlen Counties. Several local companies are considering the CMS Program as an incentive for their employees in order to earn higher income, job advancement or for a basis of hiring new employees." Any individual or any company that is interested in more information related to the Certified Manufacturing Specialist Program should contact, Jim Williams or Janene Betts in the Office of Economic Development at 478.289.2230 or 289.2326.