Tattnall Square Academy is proud to announce the selection of Kyle Garrett (‘04) as the 2018 Joe Magnan Alumnus of the Year. Today, Garrett is building a career in the field of dentistry. He currently serves as a Periodontal Resident at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University.

Garrett joined the Tattnall family in elementary school when he learned Tattnall could help him with his learning disabilities.

For someone who has not enjoyed school his entire life, it has taken dedication, perseverance and faith to get me to where I am today. From an early age at another local private school, I struggled with academics. My parents sought help at UGA, where I was diagnosed with learning disabilities, ADHD and Dyslexia. My school at the time was not equipped with the proper tools to address the problems that I presented. As such, my parents researched and found Tattnall had both the desire to help and the tools in Mrs. Debbie Tanner,” stated Garrett.

Throughout his time as a Tattnall Trojan, Kyle grew to love the time honored traditions at TSA from athletics and state championships to art classes. Garrett participated in one act, football and track. In order to balance extracurricular activities and rigorous academics, Mrs. Tanner provided him with strategies to cope with his learning difference.

“Looking back at the obstacles, many might consider them daunting; however, because of them, it makes the end result much more meaningful. With faith in God, support from family and friends and determination that often feels limitless, there was never a chance of anything but exceeding my goals,” stated Garrett.

After graduating from TSA, Garrett began Georgia College as a mathematics major with an interest in pursuing a career in engineering. However, after talking with his sister who was in dental school and shadowing local dentists, he changed his major to biology. In 2009, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Ceramic Art. He then attended the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University, where he completed a Doctorate of Dental Medicine.

“It is in dentistry that I am able to combine my love for people, art and science. It allows me to get to know people on a different level, to use scientifically proven methods to treat them, and to artistically reshape teeth, bone, and soft tissue in hopes that no one will notice my work. The ability to give someone the confidence to smile again is the most rewarding part of my career!” remarked Garrett.  

Looking back on his time as a Trojan, Kyle says some of his fondest memories were those spent building lifelong relationships with his classmates and faculty members.

“I will always look back at my time at TSA fondly. I feel Tattnall gave me, and my fellow alumni, a tremendous foundation to build any life that we desire,” expressed Garrett.

Kyle is married to Ashley Cerame Garrett, and the couple recently welcomed a baby girl named Stella Grace in May 2017. He says Ashley has been very supportive throughout his educational career and that his “greatest accomplishment is being a husband and a father!”  

Please help us in congratulating Kyle Garrett (‘04) on his selection as the Joe Magnan Alumnus of the Year. Kyle will deliver the Alumni Address at Commencement for the Class of 2018 Monday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. at Ingleside Baptist Church.