TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) —Tift County’s alumni weekend concluded with no reported violence, according to eventgoers and local leadership.

Tift County Commissioner Melissa Hughes said she received only positive feedback from the event, which was organized by Raven Denson and Jamarkus Williams.

“I’m so excited that the organizers was able to put all the pieces together,” Hughes said. “From day one, they had everything in place, all the way to the security with Marcus Askew of MJA Security Services.”

Organizers credit planning, security

Hughes said the event’s security team, led by Marcus Askew of MJA Security Services, helped guidelines be laid out from the beginning.

“Laying out the guidelines from the beginning, I think that has a big impact as well,” Hughes said. “And everybody had the same mindset, that they wanted to have fun, and they wanted to be safe.”

Hughes said she was not able to attend the event but heard directly from one of the organizers that security was in place.

Comes after shootings in neighboring counties

Hughes said the event’s outcome stood out after large gatherings in other areas ended in violence, including a shooting in Vienna.

“Just listening to the news of some areas and all, everything negative that was going on, Tifton has just made me very proud,” Hughes said.

Commissioner says events bring community together

Hughes said events like the alumni homecoming are important for keeping the community engaged.

“It brings communities back together, people that have gone off and then have the opportunity to come back home, to see friends that they haven’t seen in years,” Hughes said. “It’s just the unity of coming together.”

Hughes said she believes a new group of community leaders will continue to build on the event’s success.

“We have a new group of people, a new group of leaders that are on the scene, that is wanting more, wanting better for the community,” Hughes said. “I’m looking forward to next year, and hopefully I will be able to attend.”

Hughes thanked the organizers and security team for the event.

“Organizers, great job,” Hughes said. “Hope to see you next year doing the same thing, and that’s keeping everyone safe.”

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