On Wednesday, May 14, Anthony Dove Jr. received this year’s Mason W. Pressly Memorial Medal during PCOM South Georgia’s annual Graduation Celebration held at The Station in Downtown Tifton.

Named for one of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s founders, this is the highest award presented to a graduating doctor of osteopathic medicine student on each PCOM campus. This award recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and service to the college, the community and the osteopathic profession. The recipient is selected by representatives of the overall college community.

“To me, this award represents more than recognition,” Dove said. “It’s a reflection of the community that raised me, the mentors who guided me, and the patients and peers who have inspired me every step of the way. Coming from a rural town like Kinston, North Carolina, and being the first in my family to become a doctor, this award affirms that purpose and service matter. It reminds me why I started: to bridge gaps in health care, advocate for underserved populations, and uplift others as I climb.”

During the event, Anthony Zarka, DO, a PCOM alumnus and retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, led graduating student Jonica Carlton in the oath of office as she was promoted from second lieutenant to captain in the Air Force followed by a pinning ceremony. After graduation with the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Carlton will enter a first-year training program in general surgery at Travis Air Force Base in Sacramento, California.

Other class of 2025 Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine honors include:

• Excellence In Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Award, presented to a student who has shown exceptional ability in the use of osteopathic philosophy and osteopathic manipulative treatment – Sadie Daugereaux

• Excellence In Primary Care Award, recognizes a student who is most proficient in family medicine, general internal medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology – Ansley Myrick

• Excellence In Specialty Care Award, given to a student who has demonstrated excellence in surgery, specialty internal medicine, emergency medicine, neurology, pathology and radiology – Anthony Dove Jr.

• The Galen S. Young Sr., DO Memorial Award, presented to a student who has shown exceptional interest and ability in the field of surgery – Fredrick Merdian

• PCOM South Georgia Research Award, recognizes a strong interest in medical education research and/or public health research – Shahrzad Zamani

• T.A.. Sappington award in family medicine, which is awarded for demonstrating leadership abilities and participating in school and community service – Morgan Ivey

• Alumni Association Award, presented by the PCOM Alumni Association, because of the high caliber of performance of professional duties in hospital and outpatient services and academic excellence in basic and clinical sciences – Justice Dove

• Jessie M. Young Memorial Award, recognizes exceptional service to the community or to the college – Georgina Boateng

• PCOM South Georgia Student Affairs Leadership Award, presented for exceptional leadership by establishing student organizations and representing the student body in the college and the community – Sara Meawad

• PCOM South Georgia Osteopathic Medical Association Trimble Award of Excellence, awarded to the student recognized as an outstanding graduate upon recommendation of the faculty and administration of PCOM South Georgia in consultation with the Georgia Osteopathic Medical Association – Destiny Muccigrossi

• President's Campus and Community Engagement Award, presented to the graduate who has made a unique contribution to the mission of PCOM “educating health professionals to care for the whole person and advance the health of diverse communities” – Tori Gooden

• Dean’s Award, presented to a student who, by personal and professional conduct and by contributions to student affairs and to the general program of PCOM South Georgia, has been deemed worthy of a special citation – Tamryn Hall

• PCOM South Georgia Student Award, recognizes the member of the graduating class with the highest scholastic average – Madison Kreitz

Class of 2025 Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences honors include:

• Biomedical Sciences Leadership Award, which honors a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, high academic achievement, and the ability to effectively represent the class in college and community affairs – Alexandria Martin

• President's Campus And Community Engagement Award honors graduate who has made a unique contribution to the mission of PCOM “educating health professionals to care for the whole person and advance the health of diverse communities” – Essence Oliphant

• Dean’s Award honors the graduating student with the highest scholastic average – Michael Martin