Product of Putnam Award Ceremony
May 12, 2023
The Putnam County School District recently celebrated the 5th year of their "Product of Putnam" program, honoring seven exceptional individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their community in various fields. The categories of the awards include advanced manufacturing, agriculture, business, community service, education, healthcare, and public service, and each recipient is a graduate of the Putnam County School District. Individuals are nominated by community members. PCSD, Palatka Daily News, and the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce review submissions and select the 7 recipients of the award each year. We wish to thank Georgia-Pacific for reaching out to provide support for Product of Putnam by sponsoring this event and to Peas & Carrots Catering for making the delicious breakfast.
This year's honorees have left an indelible mark on the community of Putnam County, and their achievements serve as a source of inspiration to current and future students of the district. Let's take a closer look at each of the recipients and their remarkable accomplishments.
In the category of advanced manufacturing, the recipient was Justin Freeman, who has excelled in his career. "If I could tell students graduating from Putnam County School district anything it would be: Have a short memory and a long focus," said Freeman. "By that I mean, forget your failures, we are all going to have them. Focus on making sure you don’t repeat those failures in the future. You are only failing if you fear taking the next leap because of a past experience. Anyone who is trying, is going to fail, turn your failures into lessons and create a better you. Also, call your mom and dad. You never know what you have until it's gone."
In the business category, the recipient was Karl Flagg, a successful entrepreneur who has created several successful businesses in the area. "Mr. Flagg is so deeply committed to Putnam County," Flagg’s nomination statement read. Flagg will be featured in the Putnam County School District’s weekly Podcast, The Pulse, on May 17th, 2023 where he discusses the impact of the award, encourages students graduating from PCSD, and positively promotes Putnam County. You won’t want to miss it!
The community service recipient was Renee Hough, who has devoted countless hours to volunteering and improving the lives of those around her, especially the children of Putnam County. Tearfully, Hough recounted a specific teacher that made a significant impact on her, “My Ag teacher, Wayne Sapp, really believed in me,” she said, "he, and my administrators that I’ve worked for over the years, that have believed in me as a leader have helped shape who I am today.”
The agriculture category recipient was John Chastain, who has dedicated his life to promoting and supporting local farmers and students that show interest in agriculture. “A neighbor needs their lawn mowed, John mows it. A friend needs a house built, John is there to help build it. Someone needs a ride, he gives his extra vehicle. Money is needed for a good cause, he helps to fundraise,” Chastain’s nomination statement read "No matter the request, John never hesitates to open his heart to give back to his hometown and those who live in it."
In the healthcare category, the recipient was Greg Jungenburg, a respected physician who has dedicated his career to improving the health and wellbeing of his patients. "Putnam County is ‘home’," said Jungenburg when asked why he chose to stay in Putnam. "The networks you can develop in Putnam County can take you a long way in life.” He encouraged graduating seniors to,“Listen to your heart, listen to the Lord, and do what your heart leads you to do, not what someone thinks you need to do.”
In the education category, the recipient was Rebecca Motes, a dedicated teacher who has inspired countless students to achieve their full potential. Motes works tirelessly to advocate for Putnam County students at every opportunity. "It doesn't matter if it's at night or on the weekend, she is always ready to lend a hand, a sympathetic ear, or guidance to students in need,” her nomination statement read. “Becci is on the boards of both Feed The Need of Putnam County and the Ravine State Gardens. These are two causes that Becci is passionate about, and she volunteers a great amount of time with both. She uses the opportunities that Feed The Need and the Ravines present to connect students with authentic "real world" projects that improve Putnam County for everyone. She's also partnered with the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of Palatka to provide students with more opportunities and for the betterment of Putnam County.”
Finally, in the public service category, the recipient was J.R. Grimes, who has dedicated his life to serving the public and improving the lives of those around him. "Stay encouraged and don’t think Putnam County is too small to be successful," said Grimes when asked what advice he would give recent graduates. " There are plenty of opportunities in Putnam County, keep your eyes open and if you don’t see the opportunity… Go find it.”
The "Product of Putnam" program serves as a reminder of the incredible achievements of the graduates of the Putnam County School District, and the impact they have made on the community. As Superintendent Rick Surrency remarked, "Our honorees are a true reflection of the values and traditions of our school district, and we are proud to celebrate their accomplishments."
Congratulations to this year's honorees, and may they continue to inspire future generations of students in the Putnam County School District.
Visit our Product of Putnam webpage and see our honorees from previous years!
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