May 20, 2025

Shaheim Johnson is reaching a significant milestone this May by becoming the first in his family to graduate from college. He describes his journey as a first-generation student at Georgia Southern University with two unforgettable words: “No regrets,” adding, “If I could, I would do it all over again.”

Growing up in Brunswick, Georgia, the University was always on his radar. It was a popular choice among the teachers who influenced him. However, it wasn’t until a visit to the Statesboro Campus that the then-high school senior decided to enroll.

Recalling that visit, he said, “I fell in love with the campus, the staff and faculty. I didn’t want to leave. I asked my mom then and there if I could stay.”

As a first-year student, Johnson set his sights on a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a concentration in history, inspired by the teachers who had guided him.

“This major allows me to make an impact on the future of our country,” he explained. “I want to give back, just like the many educators who motivated me throughout my PreK-12 years.”

A self-described go-getter, Johnson quickly found his footing on campus, readily embracing new challenges and opportunities. Yet, his initial year was also marked by the difficult loss of his grandfather.

“It was very tough being away from home and experiencing such a huge loss,” Johnson shared. “I was considering leaving Georgia Southern, but the supportive community is what led me to stay.”

Ultimately, his choice to remain at Georgia Southern enabled him to fully engage in college life,  especially through his extensive involvement in campus activities. He served in various roles in the Student Government Association (SGA) and was the founding president of the Aspiring Educators of Georgia Southern. His proudest accomplishment was ending his final year as the SGA president. That role gave him the honor of speaking to his fellow students at both the December 2024 and May 2025 commencement ceremonies.

“This was a dream that I had for many years, and I can say that I achieved it,” Johnson said.

With graduation now a reality, Johnson reflected on his personal growth, noting that his years at Georgia Southern totally changed his outlook on life. As he put it, “Life is going to come with endless challenges and obstacles that make you want to quit or settle for the bare minimum. But you can’t let that stop you from seeing what bigger things you can accomplish or will be granted when you run through the fire of obstacles and worries.”

For those considering Georgia Southern, the education major advised, “Georgia Southern is a place of huge opportunities. No matter what your interests are, you will find your opportunities here. Come here, have fun, make new lifelong friends and enjoy all the things Southern has to offer.”

The May graduate is set to begin teaching U.S. history at Effingham County High in the upcoming academic year and eagerly anticipates organizing and decorating his classroom. For now, foremost in his mind is the gratitude he feels for the support he received from Georgia Southern’s College of Education.

“It’s difficult to name just one professor because so many have left an indelible mark on my academic journey,” Johnson explained. “They challenged me to think critically, inspired me to strive for excellence and equipped me with the knowledge and confidence I need to step into my future classroom as a capable and passionate educator.”

The budding teacher knows his parents are proud of his achievements, particularly as a first-generation college student. He acknowledged, “Moving away from home to come to Statesboro was a challenge for them, but I have definitely shown them that it was the best decision ever.”

Looking ahead, Johnson intends to return to Georgia Southern to earn a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Eventually, he plans to transition into education administration, demonstrating his continued commitment to the institution that changed his life.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Tiffany Slaton’s survival in the Sierra has been hailed as a “miracle,” but it has also sparked suspicion.

“When I saw her story, that’s when I first went, ‘Oh, something’s not adding up right, here,’” seasoned outdoorsman Jeff Aiello said.

Aiello was skeptical from when Slaton took to the cameras last week to describe her ordeal.

“Hello,” she said from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, explaining she did not have prepared remarks.

She was wearing a blanket, something Aiello says wasn’t necessary.

“That was a warning flag for me,” Aiello said.

Missing woman found safe in Fresno County speaks for first time

He probed Slaton’s story, starting with the avalanche she says blocked her path and turned a vacation into a nightmare.

“There’s no avalanche in the Sierra this time of year or in late April,” Aiello said. “The conditions don’t exist for it.”

According to the National Weather Service, there was little to no snowpack at the time. There were at least two systems that brought snowfall, however.

Slaton’s entire journey lasted nearly a month, and for 15 days, she was officially lost.

Her parents in Georgia had not heard from her, and Slaton said repeated calls to 911 failed.

“(I) Eventually got mad at my GPS and decided to ask, ‘Well, where is the nearest Starbucks? It was like, ‘Oh, well, we can answer that question. It’s 18 miles from here,’” Slaton said at the press conference.

“There was no service. She couldn’t get a call to 911, but then right after that, asked Siri where the closest Starbucks was,” Aiello said. “Well, Siri doesn’t work unless you have connectivity.”

Slaton eventually discovered a cabin near Lake Edison, and reports of her rescue made national headlines.

‘Dad, I’m alive’: Missing Georgia woman found safe in Fresno County

We asked Slaton’s father about his daughter’s story over the phone Monday.

“My daughter doesn’t give false statements to us or to anybody,” he told Action News. “We’re 100 percent behind her.”

We also asked about the naysayers.

“The fact of the matter is, they weren’t there,” he said. “They weren’t in the situation.”

Slaton’s parents have since closed a GoFundMe established for their daughter.

Action News has learned the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office has retraced some of Slaton’s path and found evidence to validate her story. The family is now actively talking with investigators.

For news updates, follow Gabe Ferris on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – New regulations are splashing into the shellfish industry in Georgia this summer, allowing commercial farmers to harvest oysters during previously restricted warmer months.

WRDW’s sister station, WTOC, learned how local oyster farmers are feeling about these changes.

In the past, farmers were unable to harvest oysters between the end of May and beginning of October.

With new regulations in place, farmers can continue working through those previously restricted months.

Oyster farmers say this change is great, but there’s still a catch.

An extended season but reduced operating time is part of this new deal for the area’s oyster farmers.

The summer southern heat is a breed ground for potentially harmful Vibrio bacteria which in the past has halted the harvest.

To reduce the risk of contamination and allow for year-round harvesting, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources established strict time and temperature controls.

Tybee Oyster Company owners Laura and Perry Solomon say they want their product to be safe, but one challenge they’ve run into is tight turn around times for harvest-to-refrigeration.

Laura says they have to sprint in order to get everything done in just two hours.

“We’re fortunate that our facility is close to the boat house, but you know, for farms that have to travel a long distance that travel time is built into your harvest-to-refrigeration time,” said Solomon.

Other states, like South Carolina and Florida, have a longer window of time to complete their daily harvests. Which poses the question as to why Georgia can’t follow suit.

Charlie Phillips, president of the Georgia Shellfish Growers Association, says this regulation is too strict.

“I mean if South Carolina can have three-and-a-half hours and Florida can have three-and-a-half or four hours, whatever they’ve got, we need the same thing. It’s hard to compete when you’re not on a level playing field,” said Phillips.

Local oyster farmers say the new regulations are a step in the right direction for the industry, but they’re also hoping more changes are on the horizon.

“We’re very grateful that it’s happening this summer. We’re optimistic that we’re going to be able to implement it with no hitches, and we look forward to future summers maybe having a little bit more time,” said Solomon.

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