Judge John J. Ellington will be the guest speaker at Abraham Baldwin College's graduation ceremony on Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. in Gressette Gym.
Ellington, who was sworn in as the 66th Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals by Governor Roy Barnes in 1999, was elected to a full six-year term in 2000. A native of Vidalia, Ellington attended ABAC where he received degrees in Business and Political Science. While at ABAC, he served as President of the Student Government Association and received the George P. Donaldson Award as the outstanding graduate. Ellington graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.B.A. degree in Accounting and from the University of Georgia Law School with a J.D.
ABAC President Homer Day said the college is blessed to have Ellington as the fall semester graduation speaker and as an alumnus.
"During a recent meeting with Judge Ellington, he offered to help me move ABAC forward," Day said. "A call to him resulted in the reply, 'Doc, I will clear my calendar.' That is true ABAC spirit and that is Judge John Ellington."
Dr. Bettie Horne, ABAC's Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs, said the college is eager to have Ellington return in a new role and looks forward to hearing him speak.
"Judge Ellington was a prominent student leader at ABAC and was recognized even as an undergraduate for his leadership potential," Horne said. "It's a great pleasure to have a former student return to say a few words about how he negotiated through academics to create a place for himself in society where he can contribute."
In 1991, Ellington became one of the youngest trial court judges in Georgia when he was appointed State Court Judge of Treutlen County. He was re-elected without opposition as State Court Judge in 1992 and 1996. In addition, Ellington also served as a Superior Court Judge by designation in 29 counties throughout South Georgia and as Municipal Court Judge in Soperton, Lyons, Reidsville, Glenwood, Mt. Vernon, and Uvalda. Ellington was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1985.
Ellington has played a major role in business, professional, civic, and religious organizations. He is a past president of the Vidalia Rotary Club, a past president of the Soperton Lions Club, and a former president of the Treutlen County Sportsman's Club. He is also a member of the Atlanta Lawyer's Club and a Director of the Colony Bank of Treutlen County. This year, Ellington was named to Georgia Trend's "40-Under-40," recognizing 40 leaders throughout Georgia under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions to the state.
Named the Outstanding Young Alumnus at ABAC in 1994, Ellington is a member of the Presidents' Club at ABAC and serves on the ABAC Foundation. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Swainsboro Technical College. In addition, Ellington is a member of the First Baptist Church in Soperton, where he has taught Sunday school, and is a former Chairman of the Board of Deacons. Ellington lives on a family farm in Treutlen County.
Approximately 80 graduates are expected to participate in the ceremony.
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