The Technical College System of Georgia has recognized 26 adult learners with the 25th annual EAGLE Award for outstanding achievement in the state’s adult education program. Katherine Ballard, a delegate from Lanier Technical College, was named as TCSG’s 2018 adult education student of the year.

The awards were presented by TCSG Commissioner Matt Arthur and TCSG Assistant Commissioner for Adult Education, Beverly E. Smith, during an event at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel in Atlanta on March 14.

“We are honoring these tremendous students today because the path they took to get here today certainly wasn’t an easy one,” said Commissioner Arthur. “Through hard work and perseverance, these EAGLE delegates are improving their lives through adult education. They serve as an inspiration to us all.”

Katherine Ballard, who was selected by a panel of judges from business and education, will receive a full scholarship to the technical college of her choice. In addition, her fees and books will be paid for through a stipend from the Brenda Wise Scholarship Fund, established in 2014 in memory of Brenda Wise, a lifelong supporter of adult education.

Over the coming year, Katherine will travel the state as Georgia’s EAGLE ambassador for adult education, speaking to students, civic groups, legislators, and others about lifelong learning and the importance of earning a GED® credential.

The two runner-ups for the adult education student of the year are Lamin Kuyateh from the Cobb County School District and Melissa Smiley from Savannah Technical College. Winner of the “Spirit” award is Robert Earl Williams from West Georgia Technical College. About 270 guests applauded the students for overcoming obstacles that once stood in the way of their education and then excelling in the classroom while preparing for their GED® credential.

Now in its 25th year, the system’s EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) Award acknowledges the outstanding accomplishments of Georgians who enroll in the TCSG’s adult education programs in order to study for and earn their GED® credential. More than 52,000 men and women took part in Georgia’s adult education programs last year. Each March, the local EAGLE winners are the guests of a three-day conference in Atlanta that ends with a lunch banquet in their honor.

The complete list of the EAGLE delegates for 2018 and the TCSG college, school system, or local authority that delivers their adult education and GED® program follows. Photos are available by request:

Damario Taylor, Albany Technical College

Trevyanka Forbes, Athens Technical College

Roxanne Thomas, Atlanta Public Schools

Cleonna Trammell, Atlanta Technical College

Maritza Orellano, Augusta Technical College

Chereese Clayton, Central Georgia Technical College

Samantha Ann Massingill, Chattahoochee Technical College

Brandy Dorsey, Clayton County Public Schools

Ashlee Adams, Coastal Pines Technical College

Lamin Kuyateh, Cobb County School District*

Xavier Lewis, Columbus Technical College*

William Edward Nichols, Georgia Northwestern Technical College*

LaTrevya Mitchell, Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Kathryn Mulvaney, Gwinnett Technical College*

Katherine Ballard, Lanier Technical College*

Chingling Lo, Literacy Action

Haley Alexis Bearden, North Georgia Technical College

Cristy Bedingfield, Oconee Fall Line Technical College*

Taylor Riner, Ogeechee Technical College

Melissa Smiley, Savannah Technical College*

Christian Holloman, South Georgia Technical College

Christina Richards, Southeastern Technical College

Kathleen Gould, Southern Crescent Technical College

Brittany Williamson, Southern Regional Technical College

Robert Earl Williams, West Georgia Technical College

Monica McKenzie, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College*

*Denotes a finalist