Eight Georgians received degrees at Southwestern Seminary's 209th commencement ceremony May 6.

Among the graduates were Velvie Banister of Carrollton, a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, who earned a master of arts in Christian education;

Julie Hill of Marietta, a member of Roswell Street Baptist Church, who earned a master of arts in Christian counseling;

Patrick Sanders of Hartwell, a member of Abundant Life Baptist Church, who earned a master of arts in missiology;

and Clint Strickland of Lawrenceville, a member of North Metro First Baptist Church, who earned a master of arts in Christian education.