2006 Foundation in the News

Today is: August 20, 2008

Devanney receives McCullough Scholarship

Heather Devanney, a student at West Laurens High School, was presented the McCullough Scholarship Award from Mrs. Doris McCullough Abney at the West Laurens High School Honors night May 15, 2008. Heather is a dual enrolled student with the Heart of Georgia Technical College and will use the $1,000.00 Scholarship Award to pursue an Associate Degree in Radiological Technology at the college. Dr. Howard Abney presented the award on behalf of HGTC.

Johnson receives first Howard Scholarship

Marcus Johnson of Tennille is the first recipient of the Johnny B. Howard Scholarship.

Johnson is a first quarter welding and joining technology student at Heart of Georgia Technical College. The Johnny B. Howard Scholarship is given by the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation to a HGTC student enrolled in the welding and joining program.

The scholarship is given in memory of Johnny Buford Howard, a life-long resident of Laurens County and the welding and joining technology instructor at Heart of Georgia Tech for nine years. Howard died in July 2007.

Johnson is a 2007 graduate of Washington County High School, where he wasactive in track, football, and basketball.

“The Heart of Georgia Tech employees established the scholarship with the Foundation,” said Laurie Wicker, executive director. “Members of the community have embraced the opportunity to honor Johnny and help students in the welding program.”

“He always put the students first,” said Wicker. “I know he would be very proud to know there is a scholarship to help educate future welders.”

For more information on the Johnny B. Howard Scholarship or to make a contribution, visit the Heart of Georgia Technical College website, www.heartofgatech.edu. The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization.

HGTC Foundation to sponsor special event

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation will sponsor I heard it through the Grapevine Friday night, August 8 at the HGTC Porter Center.

The HGTC Foundation is the fund raising arm of the College dedicated to raising and providing resources for HGTC’s educational excellence and innovation. The Foundation is guided by a volunteer board of trustees composed of 21 business and community leaders from the College’s six-county service area: Bleckley, Dodge, Laurens, Telfair, Wheeler, and Wilkinson Counties.

The entertainment for the special event will be The Grapevine, Georgia’s premier band from Macon. Guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and dancing from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Grapevine has electrified audiences across Georgia for 20 years. In 2000, The Grapevine received the prestigious Band of the Year, awarded by the Atlanta Society of Entertainers.

After six successful years of celebrity-waited dinners with entertainment, the Foundation has decided to change the theme of their special event. “The goal of the Foundation is to raise money,” said Ed Touchberry, HGTC Foundation president. “The August special event should interest all types of folks.”

Those attending will be treated to heavy hors d’oeuvres and dancing to a diverse repertoire of music such as Motown, R&B, Beach, Pop, and 60s- 70s- 80s- rock. “The 10-member band will have the crowd in full participation before the night is over,” said Jep Craig, HGTC trustee.

To add some excitement to the event, the Foundation is sponsoring a drawing for $2,500 cash. Individuals may purchase cash drawing tickets for $50 each. The drawing will be held the night of the event; however, those purchasing tickets do not have to be present to win.

For more information on the event or to purchase tickets contact Sheila Christian at 478 275-8533 or the Foundation Office at 478 274-7878 or 7880.

Foundation to establish Karen Core CNA Scholarship

As of July 1, 2007, the State of Georgia requires all students completing a Certified Nursing Assistant’s (CNA) Program to pass the national exam in order to work as a CNA.

For students in the Heart of Georgia Technical College CNA Program, coming up with an extra $107 at the end of the quarter has been difficult. “This program has typically been for students who want to get into the workforce quickly, have a good job, and good benefits,” said Sylvia Rozier, practical nursing program chair for HGTC. “The new requirements by the state are a financial road block to the CNA students getting a job.”

In an effort to assist good students in financial need, the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation is establishing the Karen Core CNA Scholarship. The scholarship will pay for a HGTC student’s national exam fee.

The Foundation chose Core to honor with the scholarship because of her life-long service to health care as a registered nurse and her past membership on the HGTC Foundation and HGTC nursing advisory committee. “Mrs. Core is a shining example of a healthcare professional and a philanthropist,” said Rozier.

For the current fiscal year Heart of Georgia Tech has enrolled 210 students in the CNA program. Of those, 138 have completed the program and the other 63 are on schedule to graduate this spring; however, none of the student have taken the national exam. The Foundation’s goal is to have enough donations to the new Karen Core CNA Scholarship to award a minimum of 10 scholarships fall quarter.

To ensure the sustainability of the Karen Core CNA Scholarship, community support is needed. If you would like to make a donation contact Laurie Wicker, executive director of the HGTC Foundation, at (478) 274-7878 or go on-line at www.heartofgatech.edu and make a donation. The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization.

HGTC Foundation to award Brandon T. Lawrence Scholarship

The Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) Foundation will award the Brandon T. Lawrence Scholarship at the Wheeler County High School Honor’s Night on May 7 to Jessika Belflower of Alamo. The $500 scholarship is awarded in $250 stipends.

The Brandon T. Lawrence Scholarship is given in memory of Brandon Timothy Lawrence, age 15, who lost his life on February 6, 2004 in a car accident. Because of Lawrence’s zest for life, high academic achievements, and love of people, his family established the scholarship. This will be the third Lawrence Scholarship awarded at Wheeler County High School.

Belflower’s program of study at Heart of Georgia Tech is radiologic technology.

HGTC Foundation awards McCullough Scholarship

The Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) Foundation will award the Alton Lee McCullough Scholarship May 15 at the West Laurens High School Honor’s Night to Heather Alyse Devaney of Rentz. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded in $200 stipends over five quarters.

The Alton Lee McCullough Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior from the Laurens County School System who enrolls in a technical or industrial program at HGTC. The scholarship is given in memory of Alton Lee McCullough, a life-long resident of Laurens County. “Mr. Mac” was a retired vocational teacher, school administrator, and farmer. He was a Laurens County School Superintendent from 1965 to 1973 and in his capacity of superintendent was an advocate for the adjacent location of a comprehensive high school and technical school at the intersection of Interstate 16 and U.S. Highway 441—what we know as West Laurens High School and Heart of Georgia Technical College today.

Devaney is currently taking classes at Heart of Georgia Technical College as a dual enrolled student. She is pursuing a diploma is radiologic technology. West Laurens High School Principal Hugh Kight describes Devaney as a goal setter and a self-starter. He said, “She knows what she wants in life.”

The Alton Lee McCullough Scholarship was established in August 2002.

First Horadan Scholarship Awarded

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded the first Horadan Scholarship in April to Wanda M. Coney of Dublin. Coney is an early childhood care and education student. According to Coney’s instructor, Gail Clark, “she has a genuine love for children and a strong commitment to the profession.”

Dr. Lloyd Horadan established the scholarship in memory of his mother, Joyce Horadan. The $500 Horadan Scholarship will be awarded annually to an early childhood care and education student. To be eligible for the scholarship a student must be enrolled in the HGTC early childhood care and education associate degree program, successfully completed 12 credit hours, and have a minimum grade point average of 2.5.

Dr. Horadan is currently the president for Sandersville Technical College. Prior to becoming president of Sandersville Tech, Dr. Horadan worked for Heart of Georgia Technical College for 11 years.

Cliett receives HGTC Foundation Scholarship

The Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) Foundation awarded the Chester Arthur Ryals, Jr./Merchants & Citizens Bank Scholarship to J.D. Cliett of Jacksonville at the Telfair County High School Honor’s Night on April 29. The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded in four $250 stipends.

The scholarship is given in memory of Chester Ryals, a life-long resident of Telfair County. He was instrumental in the original 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) construction projects of the lodge at the Little Ocmulgee State Park, as well as the bridge over the Ocmulgee River going in to Abbeville. He is remembered most for his commitment to improving the quality of life for all Telfair County citizens by serving as the Mayor of McRae for 12 years during the 1970s and 1980s.

Cliett is a dual enrolled student at Heart of Georgia Tech. His program of study is electronics technology.

HGTC Foundation awards first Dale Thompson GED Fee Scholarships

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded the first Dale Thompson GED Fee Scholarships this spring. The three recipients are Jennifer Brantley, Gerald Darnell II, and Tiara Jones, all from Laurens County.

The HGTC Foundation established a GED Fee Scholarship in Dale Thompson’s memory and honor, because of his passion to help adults who had dropped out of high school and wanted to complete their education. The cost to take all five parts of the GED test is $95, or $19 for each individual section. Students enrolled in the HGTC adult education program may apply for scholarship funding to cover two of the five parts.

The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations to the Dale Thompson GED Fee Scholarship may be sent to HGTC Foundation, 560 Pinehill Road, Dublin, GA 31021, or may be made on-line at www.heartofgatech.edu.

Technology Fee Scholarship awarded at LOIC for spring quarter

Nine Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center students have received the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center Technology Fee Scholarship from the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation for spring quarter.

Those receiving the award are Bridgette Nelms of McRae, Mamie Robinson of Alamo, Jodi McCranie of Helena, Wanda V. Marchant of Milan, Melissa Best of McRae, Leah Davis of Milan, Sherri L. Kirkland of Hazelhurst, Harley Angel Lake of McRae, and Valerie Lashon Jones of Helena.

The Technology Fee Scholarship is awarded quarterly to students enrolled in a program of study at Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center (LOIC) of the Heart of Georgia Technical College. The scholarship is awarded to students who are in a good academic standing with the college. The scholarship is also based on financial need and the amount of funds available for the award.

The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. If you would like to make a donation to support the technology fee scholarship, please contact Laurie Wicker at 478-274-7878 or 478-274-7880, or visit the Foundation website at www.heartofgatech.edu.

HGTC Foundation establishes Dale Thompson Scholarship

H. Dale Thompson was a life-long advocate for adult education. Upon his passing July 2001, funds were donated to the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation to assist adult education in Thompson’s memory.

“Because of Mr. Thompson’s passion to help adults who had dropped out of high school and needed to complete their education, we wanted to use the funds in his memory for a specific area in adult education,” said Dahlia Allen, dean of adult education for Heart of Georgia Tech.

Thompson’s dream was to have a lasting effect on the progress of adult education. The HGTC Foundation established a GED Fee Scholarship in his honor. The cost to take all five parts of the GED test is $95, or $19 for each individual section. Students enrolled in the HGTC adult education program may apply for scholarship funding to cover two of the five parts.

Thompson was a life-long resident of Laurens County. He practiced law in Dublin for 52 years. His wife, Jane, and son, Scott, both live in Dublin. His daughter, Janet Greer, and her family live in LaGrange. His son, Henry, and his family live in Summerville, SC.

HGTC Foundation awards first five Dr. Fred A. Smith Jr. Scholarships

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded the first Dr. Fred A. Smith Jr. Scholarships Friday, April 4, 2008, at the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center. Dr. Howard Abney (front R), dean of LOIC, is pictured on the front row (L-R) are four of the five recipients: Leah Davis, Jodi McCranie, Mamie Robinson, and Melissa Best. Back row (L-R): Beverly Brown, HGTC trustee; Eddie Selph, president of The Merchants & Citizens Bank; Janice Irvin, HGTC trustee; Paula Rogers, president of the Telfair Chamber of Commerce; Jimmy Ray, HGTC trustee; and Laurie Wicker, HGTC Foundation executive director.

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded the first five Dr. Fred A. Smith Jr. Scholarships on April 4 at a presentation ceremony held at the Little Ocmulgee Instruction Center (LOIC) in Helena.

The scholarship was established earlier this year by The Merchants & Citizens Bank of McRae in memory and honor of Dr. Fredrick Augustus Smith Jr. The scholarship is based on financial need and is for students enrolled at the LOIC. Students receiving the scholarships are Bridgette Nelms of McRae, Leah Davis of Milan, Mamie C. Robinson of Alamo, Jodi McCranie of Helena and Melisa Best of McRae.

Dr. Smith was a lifelong resident of Telfair County. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1937 with a bachelor of science and received a doctor of medicine degree from Emory University in 1941. Dr. Smith was a veteran of World War II, serving as captain and surgeon in the Emory Medical Unit in Europe and North Africa. He was vice chairman of the Board of Directors of The Merchants and Citizens Bank, a member of the McRae Rotary Club, and active in the timber industry. He practiced medicine for 50 years in McRae and the surrounding area. Dr. Smith passed away on Jan. 15, 1999, at age 82.

The Foundation will award five, $50 Smith Scholarships quarterly. “The M & C Bank expressed an interest in helping as many students as possible,” said Dr. Howard Abney, dean of the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center. “Even with the majority of our students on the HOPE grant,” Abney said, “they still need funds for books and supplies—which add up quickly.”

Scholarships create opportunities to change lives. Those interested in establishing a scholarship or donating to an existing scholarship, please contact Laurie Wicker at (478) 274-7878 or lwicker@heartofgatech.edu. The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Merchant & Citizens Bank establishes second

HGTC Foundation scholarship

The Merchant & Citizens Bank of McRae has partnered with the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation to provide scholarship opportunities for students enrolled at the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center. This is the second partnership with The

M & C Bank and the HGTC Foundation to offer local students scholarship opportunities.

Last year the bank established the Chester Arthur Ryals, Jr. Scholarship which is awarded annually to a Telfair County High School graduating senior who plans to attend Heart of Georgia Technical College.

The new scholarship, Dr. Fred A. Smith Jr. Scholarship, will be awarded quarterly. Students in good academic standing who have a financial need are eligible for the scholarship. The Foundation will award five, $50 scholarships each quarter. “The

M & C Bank expressed an interest in helping as many students as possible,” said Dr. Howard Abney, dean of the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center. “Even with the majority of our students on the HOPE grant,” Abney said, “they still need funds for books and supplies—which add up quickly.”

The M & C Bank has established this award in memory and honor of Dr. Fredrick Augustus Smith, Jr. Dr. Smith was a lifelong resident of Telfair County. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1937 with a bachelor of science and received a doctor of medicine degree from Emory University in 1941. Dr. Smith was a veteran of World War II, serving as captain and surgeon in the Emory Medical Unit in Europe and North Africa. He was vice chairman of the Board of Directors of The Merchants and Citizens Bank, a member of the McRae Rotary Club, and active in the timber industry. He practiced medicine for 50 years in McRae and the surrounding area. Dr. Smith passed away on Jan. 15, 1999, at age 82.

“We are very pleased to partner with The M & C Bank to offer our students quarterly scholarship opportunities,” said Laurie Wicker, executive director HGTC Foundation. LOIC students interested in applying for the scholarship should contact Dr. Howard Abney or Penny Barlow at LOIC or may access a scholarship application on-line at www.heartofgatech.edu and select the Foundation link. The first scholarship awards will be made spring quarter.

HGTC students receive scholarships

Those receiving the award are Krystal Howell of Helena, Melissa Best of McRae, Crystal G. Herndon of Hazelhurst, Edna F. Wilson of Alamo, Jodi McCranie of Helena, Artia Mack of McRae, Gwendolyn D. Harris of McRae, Leah Davis of Milan, and Timothy Robinson of Alamo.

Horadan scholarship to be awarded in spring

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation will award the first Horadan Scholarship this spring. In 2002 Dr. Lloyd Horadan established a scholarship in memory of his mother, Joyce Horadan.

After five years, the scholarship has reached maturity to make the first award in May 2008. The $500 Horadan Scholarship will be awarded annually to an early childhood care and education student. To be eligible for the scholarship a student must be enrolled in the HGTC early childhood care and education associate degree program, successfully completed 12 credit hours, and have a minimum grade point average of 2.5.

Dr. Horadan is currently the president for Sandersville Technical College. Prior to becoming president of Sandersville Tech, Dr. Horadan worked for Heart of Georgia Technical College for 11 years.

“We are very excited to offer this scholarship opportunity to our early childhood care and education students,” said Laurie Wicker, director of development. Students completing the early childhood care and education associate degree program are eligible to work as a paraprofessional (pre-K through 12 grade); a director of a child care center; or Head Start teacher.

HGTC Foundation TOOLS Program set for December 7

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation will award tools to 11 Heart of Georgia Tech students on Friday, December 7, 2007.

The program is called TOOLS, Tools for Outstanding Occupational Leadership Students. This year marks the ninth awards program.

TOOLS is made possible by the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation, the Morris State Bank, and the Louie & Evelyn Livingston Family Foundation.

The Heart of Georgia Tech Foundation is giving back to the community by preparing students to enter the workforce. Student recipients range from respiratory therapists to diesel equipment mechanics. “What potential employees need to enter the workforce varies,” said Laurie Wicker, executive director of the HGTC Foundation. “So the tools awarded can range from state licensing fees to physical tools such as a welding torch.”

The recipients for 2007 are Latonia Brantley, early childhood care and education; Phoenix Davis, industrial systems; Laise Ellington, respiratory therapy; Jackie Monroe Mullis, air conditioning technology; Laurie Renee Nairn, accounting; Jason Saverslak, machine tool technology; Derrick K. Shepherd, respiratory therapy; Terrance Shields, air conditioning technology; Derek Sutton, diesel equipment technology; Eddie Swint, air conditioning technology; Julian M. Thigpin III, respiratory therapy.