The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has selected GIA Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) Carolyn A. Segars, Mt. Pleasant, S.C., as its 2004 Outstanding Distance Education Graduate of the Year. Presented annually by the Distance Education Training Council (DETC), the award is given to one exceptional GIA Distance Education student who has achieved extraordinary standards of academic and personal excellence. During her enrollment in the G.G. Distance Education program, Segars worked at Skatell’s Manufacturing Jewelers in the Charleston, S.C., area. Since the achievement of her G.G. diploma, she has been promoted to their corporate office where she is in charge of all appraisals.