The Technical College System of Georgia has recognized 26 adult learners with the EAGLE Award for outstanding achievement in the state’s adult education program.  Desmond Vaird, a delegate from Lanier Technical College, was named as TCSG’s 2016 adult education student of the year.
 
The awards were presented by Gov. Nathan Deal, TCSG Commissioner Gretchen Corbin and Beverly Smith, the TCSG assistant commissioner for adult education, during an event at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Atlanta on March 16.
 
“Each and every one educated adult plays an important part in our workforce and in securing our state’s economic future,” said Gov. Deal. “These bright, motivated students are a shining example of the power of adult education to change lives, not only their own but those of others whom they inspire through their commitment and perseverance.”
 
Vaird, who was selected by a panel of judges from business and education, will receive a full scholarship to the technical college of his choice. In addition, his 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, Vaird 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 runner-up for the adult education student of the year is Justin Bates from Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Winner of the “Spirit” award is Jacqueline Guzman from Central Georgia Technical College. Almost 500 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 23rd year, the system’s EAGLE 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 44,000 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 2016 and the TCSG college, school system or local authority that delivers their adult education and GED program follows. Photos are available by request:
 
-Helen Isom, Albany Technical College
-Yobani Rodriguez, Athens Technical College
-Pia Stallworth, Atlanta Public Schools
-Rachel Madden, Atlanta Technical College
-Burnette Grant, Augusta Technical College
-Jacqueline Guzman, Central Georgia Technical College*
-Jessica Warren, Chattahoochee Technical College
-Sara Garner, Clayton County Public Schools
-Grace Strom, Coastal Pines Technical College
-Jade Goodwin, Cobb County School District
-Lacie Spencer, Columbus Technical College*
-Brandy Weaver, Georgia Northwestern Technical College*
-Justin Bates, Georgia Piedmont Technical College*
-Heidi Fielden, Gwinnett Technical College
-Desmond Vaird, Lanier Technical College**
-Kevin Kelly, Literacy Action, Inc.
-Gardinia Grace Todd, North Georgia Technical College
-Avelina Morales, Oconee Fall Line Technical College
-Alison Argo, Ogeechee Technical College*
-Jennifer Davis, Savannah Technical College
-Amanda Farley, South Georgia Technical College*
-Inez Boatwright, Southeastern Technical College
-Brigitte Strack, Southern Crescent Technical College
-Valentino Jones, Southern Regional Technical College
-Winston Denmark, Jr., West Georgia Technical College*
-Benjamin Ray Holley, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
 
* Denotes finalist.