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.  Jonathan Swinsburg, a delegate from Athens Technical College, was named as TCSG’s 2017 adult education student of the year.
 
The awards were presented by TCSG Commissioner Gretchen Corbin and Beverly E. Smith, TCSG assistant commissioner for adult education, during an event at the Evergreen Conference Center in Stone Mountain on March 15.
 
“These are individuals who have committed to changing their lives and who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their adult education classes,” said Commissioner Corbin. “We are proud of Jonathan, and of all our EAGLE students, for their dedicated pursuit of their goals and for inspiring others in their community to follow in their path.”
 
Swinsburg, 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, Swinsburg 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 Raquel Mohammed from Gwinnett Technical College. Winner of the “Spirit” award is Haylie Bailey from Lanier Technical College. About 200 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 24th 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 2017 and the TCSG college, school system or local authority that delivers their adult education and GED program follows. Photos are available by request:

Elouise Williams, Albany Technical College

Jonathan Swinsburg, Athens Technical College* (winner)

Marquita Hixon, Atlanta Public Schools

Iona McCoy, Atlanta Technical College*

La’Treciya Harris, Augusta Technical College

Selena Wells, Bainbridge State College

Jaquetta Coleman, Central Georgia Technical College*

Andrea Newsome, Chattahoochee Technical College*

Tara Moore, Clayton County Public Schools

Shawn Turberville, Coastal Pines Technical College

Frederic Mulika, Cobb County School District

Natalie Miller, Columbus Technical College*

Emily Connell, Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Habtamu Wilson, Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Raquel Mohammed, Gwinnett Technical College*

Haylie Bailey, Lanier Technical College

Andrew Hudgins, North Georgia Technical College

Candice Carroll, Oconee Fall Line Technical College*

Hyun Hwa (Ellie) Chi, Ogeechee Technical College

Elizabeth Genard, Savannah Technical College

Pablo Castaneda, South Georgia Technical College

Sherita Stokes, Southeastern Technical College

Adrienne Dore, Southern Crescent Technical College

Ashley Spears, Southern Regional Technical College*

Maria Hernandez, West Georgia Technical College

Anthony Urrabazo, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
 
* Denotes finalist.