Chipola SGA Marks Nearly 40 Years of Student Leadership, Installs 2026-27 Officers

Nearly four decades of student leadership came full circle as the Chipola College Student Government Association held its first meeting of the 2026-27 academic year Aug. 24 and installed its new slate of officers.

The meeting included a special moment in Chipola history as former SGA President Larry Hinson and outgoing SGA President Jaylon Smith came together with the college’s SGA Presidents plaque, which now represents nearly 40 years of student leadership.

Hinson’s name, representing the 1987-88 academic year, is the first name on the plaque, while Smith’s name, representing 2025-26, is the last. With Smith’s addition, the plaque is officially full.

The milestone means newly installed SGA President Annabeth Bontrager will begin a new chapter in Chipola history. When her name is added following the 2026-27 academic year, she will become the first SGA president recognized on a new plaque.

Joining Bontrager as 2026-27 SGA officers are Vice President Chloe Harrison, Secretary Haley Williams, Treasurer Grayson Bass, Parliamentarian Valerie Yoder, Sergeant-at-Arms Simeon Wynn, Chief Justice Peyton Whittal, Senior Senator Nicolas Pete and Chaplain Thad Brown.

Throughout the year, SGA officers will represent the student body while helping promote student involvement, leadership and campus life at Chipola.

Students interested in becoming involved with SGA are encouraged to attend meetings, held Mondays at 1:30 p.m. in the upstairs dining room of the Student Life Center. All Chipola students are invited to attend and have a voice in campus life.

As one plaque closes a chapter representing nearly 40 years of Chipola SGA presidents, the college looks forward to the next generation of students continuing the tradition of leadership and service.