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The McRae Rotary Club established the scholarship, which will be awarded quarterly, to the HGTC Foundation for Telfair County GED (General Educational Development) graduates who enroll in a credit program at Heart of Georgia Technical College.

The scholarship is given in part to fulfill the Rotary International organization’s commitment to Adult Literacy and to encourage local GED graduates to continue their education.

To establish a scholarship, or make a donation to the HGTC Foundation, contact Jenny Shuman at (478) 296-6117 or jshuman@heartofgatech.edu.

Technology Fee Scholarships Awarded to LOIC Students

HELENA—Ten 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 Gerry R. Floyd of Alamo, Dyshonda Fowler of Helena, Elizabeth Hames of Helena, Gladaya Hamilton of McRae, Michelle Ricks of McRae, Dalonda Robinson of McRae, Peggy Spires of Alamo, Sabrina Spires of McRae, Bobby J. Turner of Alamo, and Jennifer Woodall 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 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 Jenny Shuman at 478-296-6117, or visit the Foundation website at www.heartofgatech.edu.

Penny Manning Mackey to Speak at HGTC Graduation

Penny Manning Mackey, local attorney and president of the Heart of Georgia Technical College Board of Trustees, is slated to be the keynote speaker at the Heart of Georgia Technical College graduation ceremony.

Mrs. Mackey is a native of Dublin. After graduating from a local high school she enrolled in the Data Processing Program at Heart of Georgia Technical Institute, now Heart of Georgia Technical College. Mrs. Mackey began an internship in the law firm of Robertson & Bobbitt, and then furthered her education by earning her Associate’s degree from Middle Georgia College, where she was named the 1994 Continuing Education Student of the Year. She continued her education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor in English from Georgia College & State University. In 2002, she was accepted to the Walter F. George School of Law of Mercer University and received her Juris Doctorate in 2005. She joined Morris Robertson as an associate, and is now the junior partner in the law firm of Robertson & Mackey.

Mrs. Mackey served for several years on the Advisory Committee for the HGTC Business Technology Program and currently serves as a member on the Board of Communities in Schools of Laurens County.

Mackey is married to Chris Mackey, a graduate of Heart of Georgia Technical College, and they have three sons – Kyle, Andrew, and Jon.

The HGTC graduation ceremony, which is free and open to the public, will be held May 13, at 7:00 pm in the DuBose Porter Business and Industry Center in Dublin.

Richard Jones of Eastman was recently honored for his service to the Heart of Georgia Technical College Board of Directors. Dr. Randall Peters, HGTC president, is shown presenting Mr. Jones with a gift and thanking him for his nine years of dedication as a director.

HGTC Pharmacy Tech Class Donates Pet Food

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Pharmacy Technology Class of 2010 recently presented dog and cat food to the HGTC Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) Club. The PBL Club is collecting pet food for the Dublin/Laurens County Animal Shelter food campaign. Pictured are Pharmacy Tech program chair, Jack J. Shepherd, and students presenting the food to PBL club sponsors Belinda Fisher and Beth Duggins. Mr. Shepherd’s class participated in the project as a community awareness project.

Wilkinson County Middle School Student Takes Third Place

in Statewide Manufacturing Appreciation Design Contest

Atlanta, GA—April 2010: Erica Smith, a 6th grader from Jeffersonville, Ga., had lunch with Georgia’s Governor Sonny Perdue this week

Smith took third place in the poster category of the 2010 Manufacturing Appreciation Week (MAW) student design contest. She received a $100 scholarship check, presented by Gov. Perdue at the MAW awards luncheon held Thursday at the Georgia International Convention Center. Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Richard Warner was master of ceremonies.

Students from around the state submitted design entries featuring Georgia manufacturers and their products. The three design categories were placemat, poster and t-shirt.

The awards luncheon is the highlight of MAW, celebrated this year April 14-16. During the ceremonies, Perdue also named Georgia’s Manufacturers of the Year: Frito-Lay’s Perry, Ga., facility in the large manufacturer category (more than 500 employees); the Boeing Company in Macon in the medium manufacturer category (150-500 employees); and Star Granite and Bronze of Elberton in the small manufacturer category (fewer than 150 employees).

Co-hosted by the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, MAW brings attention to manufacturing, a significant component of Georgia’s economy. According to Gov. Sonny Perdue’s proclamation declaring Manufacturing Appreciation Week, nearly 10,000 manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia. They provide 430,198 jobs, contributing more than $100 billion to the state’s economy each year.

This is the 16th year celebrating Manufacturing Appreciation Week in Georgia. This year’s sponsors include AT&T; BB&T; Georgia Power; the Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute; Habif, Arogeti & Wynne; and Pattillo Industrial Real Estate.

Diesel Technology Industry: ‘Recession-Proof’

The turbulence of the recent economic recession necessitated a shift in career paths for a number of Americans as they search for stability in a volatile job market.

What many are discovering, however, are unexpected, steady rewards and career fulfillment in the growing diesel industry.

“It’s pretty much recession-proof,” said Jon Walraven, diesel technology instructor at Heart of Georgia Technical College. “Even though the economy’s been bad, we’ve been able to find jobs for our students.”

With a diploma in hand from an accredited school, diesel tech graduates have the rare ability in today’s market to choose, in many instances, rather than settle for a job or career.

Throw in the added selling point of graduating from a nationally recognized program such as HGTC, and the job possibilities run the gamut.

Last year, HGTC’s diesel technology program became one of only a few in the nation and the sole program in Georgia to gain certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It’s a distinct honor only 114 programs of its kind have received.

That stands out on any job seeker’s resume.

“They know they can get the pick of the jobs,” said instructor Jillyn Baggett of HGTC’s diesel tech graduates.

Employers want to know that prospective employees can fill that niche, and local business owners and plant managers can be assured with HGTC graduates, according to Baggett.

“They want to know they have the basic training,” she said.

While other industries have faltered during the economic downturn, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel in the diesel technology field, both Baggett and Walraven noted.

“We’ve had several [graduates] that have gotten really good jobs,” said Walraven.

One recent graduate landed an entry-level position in field as a diesel fleet mechanic at Georgia Power — one of the state’s largest employers — with great opportunities for advancement.

“The industry’s growing,” he added.

And it’s growing locally as well.

Every product assembled, every piece of merchandise produced from Dublin’s distribution centers — from stereo equipment to furniture, carpet to clothing — moves by truck, and several local trucking fleets are hiring to meet the demand.

“Every industry in Dublin, everything they have moves by truck,” said Walraven.

And as a steady stream of trucks roll out of the local industrial park to transport goods, jobs can also be found these days in other sectors of the field.

As federal stimulus dollars are utilized for roadwork and highway expansions, repair technicians are in demand to tend to the trucks and equipment doing the work.

Although job outlooks have remained dim over the past several months, qualified diesel technicians remain in demand to fill a number of voids in the workforce.

“Anything that has anything to do with a truck, this diploma has the knowledge,” said Baggett.

The HGTC diesel technology department includes a diploma program and a heavy equipment certificate. The program covers everything from the basics to more comprehensive hands-on study such as rebuilding motors, transmissions and heavy equipment. Graduates have moved on to fill entry-level positions locally and all over the state at large truck dealerships, fleet and independent shops and travel centers. Students frequently travel from other parts of the state in order to enroll in the HGTC diesel tech program where they gain skills in a setting much like they are on the job.

About 75 to 90 percent of the training and instruction students receive in the HGTC program is live, hands-on work.

“We try to make this as real-world as we can,” said Walraven. “That better prepares the students when they go to work.”

The college’s diesel shop operates much like the real-world atmosphere with students taking the role as foreman and assistant foreman.

“The students help each other,” said Walraven, with the aim to improve their leadership skills through peer-learning. “That makes the learning experience real.”

To find out more about HGTC’s diesel tech program, call (478) 274-7864 or (800) 200-4484 or visit www.heartofgatech.edu.

Fitness Trail Opens at HGTC

The Heart of Georgia Technical College held a ribbon cutting on April 7, 2010 to celebrate the opening of a 20 exercise station Fitness Trail. The Fitness Trail was funded by grants from the HGTC Foundation, Little Ocmulgee EMC, and the Oconee EMC Foundation.

The trail is ¾ of a mile in length and contains 20 stations for the following exercises: calf stretch, upper hamstring stretch, hamstring stretch, bent knee hang, knee lift, sit up, quadriceps climb, pull up, upward stretch, leg stretch, hand walk, shoulder squeeze, bar jump, body raise, body tuck, overhead ladder, balance walk, side bend, hamstring pull, and tension release.

In conjunction with the Ribbon Cutting, National Start! Walking Day, sponsored by the American Heart Association, was celebrated. Green balloons lined the trail, and attendees had an opportunity to make a “Commitment to Fitness.” Amy Harrelson, HGTC Wellness Coordinator, and Beverly Trevisol, HGTC Community Training Center Manager, encouraged everyone to make a commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

The Fitness Trail is open to the public.

Truck Driving Industry offers Numerous Benefits

No matter the freight, no matter the distance — if it’s meant to be delivered commercial trucking helps to get it there.

“It’s going to be on a truck sooner or later,” Richard Andrews, commercial truck driving instructor at Heart of Georgia Technical College said of the volumes of goods transported each day via the trucking industry.

And, as the supply of products to be transported increases, so does the demand for qualified drivers to get it there. Like much else these days, the economy rules, he said, often dictating heavily the demand for drivers in a multi-million dollar industry that produces well-paying jobs with benefits in a time when employment is increasingly scarce in a number of other industries.

“As the economy picks up, we do look to see an increase in demand for drivers,” said Andrews.

Over the road and long haul drivers are presently in demand on the roads, as are team drivers, where two drivers work in one truck at a time to cover more miles within the day.

There’s also a demand for entry-level team drivers these days, he said.

As more companies expand overseas, the demand for drivers will steadily increase, Joey Wooten, HGTC commercial truck driving program chair, predicted.

“With more companies going overseas, that’s creating more jobs in transportation,” he said.

New federal requirements for drivers that were launched at the start of the year and will be phased in through July 1 have necessitated retraining for a number of drivers, creating more opportunities at the entry-level.

Entry-level positions are presently in moderate demand, though as more drivers return to the classroom to be re-trained the need for drivers at the entry-level may increase.

“Right now it’s not at peak — there’s a moderate demand for drivers,” said Wooten of the entry-level positions.

HGTC offers a 10-week technical certificate of credit in commercial truck driving. Both day and evening classes are available. Five weeks of the course are spent in the classroom and the other half is spent on the road in an effort to cover all aspects of driving from safety to customer relations, driving laws to federal regulations. The program requirements are above industry standard for training.

“We get them from 18 to retirement,” said Wooten of the diversity of the students who enroll.

A number of students are surprisingly female, and husband and wife teams. Frequently those who enroll are people simply seeking a career change.

Husband-wife teams are almost guaranteed to generate $100,000 a year.

“We’ve had several successful husband-wife teams that have come through the program,” said Wooten.

To enroll, prospective students must be trained with a minimum number of classroom and over the road hours, be in good health, have a valid driver’s license and pass a criminal history and background check.

Once students are admitted to the program and complete it, they are almost certain to be guaranteed a job. Starting salaries range from $38,000 to $50,000.

And the benefit packages offered are often above those of other industries, with signing bonuses and 401k options.

“It’s got some fringe benefits that no other industry has,” said Andrews.

While the entry-level work often requires a good bit of time on the road, the hours logged away from home certainly has its benefits — like forming a pathway to a job with numerous rewards.

“It’s a different way of life,” said Wooten, “but in the end, it really is pretty good money.”

To find out more on HGTC’s commercial truck driving program, call (478) 274-7851 or (800) 200-4484 or visit www.heartofgatech.edu.

HGTC Student Gaining Hands-on HR Skills Outside the Classroom

Every workday, Kelly Curtis is getting the preparation she needs for the career field of her choice as she inches closer to her degree.

Curtis presently works as an insurance clerk at the Medical Center of Dublin and is enrolled at Heart of Georgia Technical College where she’s pursuing a degree in management and supervisory development.

While working with insurance coding isn’t necessarily in her future, Curtis says her day job is helping to build a foundation and her resume so when she pursues her dream job in human resources, she’ll be prepared.

“Any kind of management work has always interested me,” she said of her day-to-day work where she files insurance claims and assists patients with insurance and billing statements.

HGTC’s business technology program offers an associate of applied science degree in management and supervisory development as well as a diploma, where students like Curtis gain preparation in problem-solving and management functions including employee training, labor relations, and employee evaluation. Coursework includes classes in economics, accounting and personnel administration. Students learn basic computer skills, business math and supervisory skills.

Curtis hopes to one day work in human resources, where through her degree and coursework, she’ll be equipped to handle customer relations and employee needs for a company or corporation.

Curtis says when she started researching human resources programs in the area, she discovered that HGTC offered the preparation and schedule flexibility she needed at a tuition cost she could afford. She says her job, coupled with her college experience, is giving her the foundation she needs for a career she enjoys.

“The people and the patients,” she said of what she finds most fulfilling about her work.

For more information on HGTC’s business technology programs, call (478) 275-6589 or (800) 200-4484 or visit www.heartofgatech.edu.

Real-life Experience Inspires Career in Nursing for HGTC Student

K.C. Talbott worked at Medical Center of Dublin for several years as a switchboard operator before a personal experience inspired her to look into nursing as a career.

“One day my little cousin got hurt,” she said of what drew her to the profession.

Motivated by the experience with a desire to help others, the West Laurens High School graduate recently enrolled at Heart of Georgia Technical College to pursue licensed practical nursing. She balances working 40-hour weeks at the Medical Center and takes classes at night.

“They work with my schedule,” said Talbott, adding that the fact is one of the reasons she enjoys her daytime work.

Day-to-day, Talbott answers phones, schedules appointments and takes messages if needed, experience that will also help her in her LPN work one day. In the evenings at class, she learns how take patient vital signs and blood pressure and observe and assist patients.

HGTC offers a diploma in practical nursing through which students are prepared to work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes or private doctor’s practices.

HGTC’s licensed practical nursing program trains students in the nursing field to care for the sick, injured and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses and prepares them for the state board exam. The program includes core curriculum classes as well as four quarters of nursing instruction. Near the end of the program, during their last quarter, students file an application for their LPN licenses and they apply to take the state board exam.

Upon passing, the LPN graduates work under the direction of doctors and registered nurses.

Licensed practical nurses held about 749,000 jobs in 2006, mostly in hospitals and nursing home facilities. LPNs also worked for home healthcare services, employment services, community care facilities for the elderly, public and private educational services, outpatient care centers. It’s a growing field, where the employment trend is expected to continue as the demand for caregivers for the growing elderly population continues.

Talbott hopes to get into the HGTC program next spring and one day land a job in the field.

“It’s very competitive,” she said of the HGTC program, “very challenging.”

“I like being able to help patients,” she added. “I like helping people out.”

To learn more about HGTC’s practical nursing diploma program, visit www.heartofgatech.edu or call (478) 275-6589 or (800) 200-4484.

Easter Fun for Heart of Georgia Technical College Pre K

Beth Crumpton, executive vice president at Heart of Georgia Technical College, is pictured reading to the HGTC Pre-K class on March 4, 2010 as part of Literacy Week and Dr. Seuss’ Birthday event.

Ralph Staffins joins HGTC Foundation’s Board of Trustees

Ralph Staffins, director of the Development Authority of Wilkinson County and president of the Wilkinson County Chamber of Commerce, has joined the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Mr. Staffins is a graduate of Georgia College and State University. He is a member of the Wilkinson County Exchange Club, is vice-chairman of the Wilkinson County Family Connections, and also serves on the Middle Georgia Regional Commission Board.

“We are delighted that Ralph has agreed to join the HGTC Foundation’s Board of Trustees,” commented Penny Mackey, president. “We look forward to working with him and the citizens of Wilkinson County.” The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation is comprised of individuals from the HGTC service area of Bleckley, Dodge, Laurens, Telfair, Wheeler and Wilkinson counties.

For more information, visit the web at www.heartofgatech.edu.

Judge Helen Harper is pictured “Swearing In” Desmond Wilson as the newest member of the Heart of Georgia Technical College Board of Directors. Mr. Wilson will be representing Telfair County on the board. HGTC serves Bleckley, Dodge, Laurens, Telfair, Wheeler, and Wilkinson counties.

HGTC National Technical Honor Society Inducts New Members

DUBLIN—The Heart of Georgia Technical College National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) inducted new members to the organization on March 10, 2010. The National Technical Honor Society is an honor organization for outstanding students enrolled in occupational, vocational, or technical programs. The purpose is to promote service, leadership, honesty, career development, and skilled workmanship; to reward student achievement; to encourage and assist students in educational and career goal setting; to promote a stronger linkage between local technical institutions and business and industry; and to promote the image of technical education in America.

Candidates for NTHS membership are students who have demonstrated scholastic achievement, skill development, good character, leadership, honesty, and responsibility. Membership is open to students from all diploma and degree programs. Students may be nominated for membership based on the following criteria: a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater, a minimum of 24 credit hours completed in a diploma or degree program, and demonstrated qualities such as dependability, worthy character, good mentality, credible achievement, and a commendable attitude.

Beth Crumpton, executive vice president, addressed the group of recipients and congratulated them on their achievement. She also thanked Kim Meeks, club advisor, for her hard work and dedication to the National Technical Honor Society.

The following students became members of the National Technical Honor Society: Kimberly Allen (Laurens), Javin Allen (Laurens), Chantel Allison (Laurens), Althea Anderson (Dodge), Heather Bailey (Laurens), Jenna Bayto (Laurens), Phyllis Bell (Laurens), Rachel Bethea (Laurens), Troy Brantley (Twiggs), Jennifer Brinson (Laurens), Corvencia Carr (Laurens), Melissa Channel (Laurens), Chassity Chapman (Wheeler), Jennifer Cobb (Laurens), Bobby Cooper (Dodge), Irene Cordell (Laurens), Cynthia Couture-White (Laurens), Kristin Criswell (Laurens), Lakeisha Cuyler (Laurens), William Dickens (Treutlen), Pamela Drysdale (Telfair), Kemia Evans (Laurens), Otis Faircloth (Laurens), Zanna Fordham (Laurens), Mika Fowler (Laurens), Laci Green (Twiggs), Candice Griffin (Laurens), Rebecca Hall (Laurens), Nicole Harris (Laurens), Katherine Hart (Telfair), Erica Holland (Laurens), Bobbie Hollis (Laurens). Jeffery Hulett (Telfair), Calip Johnson (Bleckley), Bret Jones (Dodge), Justin Knight (Laurens), Dewey Lumley (Laurens), Anastasia Mackey (Wheeler), Chelsea Mann (Telfair), Kristina May (Laurens), Michele Melton (Laurens), Margaret Mercer (Laurens), Sharon Morgan (Laurens), Nathan Mullis (Laurens), Sandra Quick (Laurens), Kristen Raffield (Laurens), Jackie Rentz (Laurens), Lottie Rizzardi (Laurens), Mamie Robinson (Wheeler), Laneda Sanford (Dodge), Tiffany Savage (Laurens), Marsha Sears (Laurens), Amy Simpson (Laurens), Sheena Singletary (Dodge), Kristen Smith (Laurens), Leah Smith-Hill (Bleckley), Rose Spikes (Laurens), Charline Stanley (Laurens), Brittany Starley (Laurens), Jason Storey (Laurens), Craig Swanson (Bleckley), Sherrie Taylor (Laurens), Mistian Thomas (Dodge), Kim Tyler (Laurens), Michelle Weeks (Telfair), Latonya White (Laurens), Misty Wilcox (Dodge), Brenda Williams (Dodge), Ayriel Wright (Laurens), and Carolyn Yearly (Bleckley).

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Continuing Education Division held a Driver’s Education class in February. Pictured are members of the February 2010 Driver's Education class posing in front of the Dublin Police Department's H.E.A.T. car, along with Gil Allen, instructor for the course, and H.E.A.T. Officer Wendell Lawrence. Not shown is Sgt. Jim Champion, who gave a presentation to the class. Dale Smallen is also an instructor for the course. The next Driver’s Education class will be held April 5-8, 2010. Visit the website at www.heartofgatech.edu or call 478-275-6592 for more information or to register.

DeLaPerriere Chosen as Heart of Georgia Technical College’s GOAL Winner

Aline DeLaPerriere, a Health Information Technology student at Heart of Georgia Technical College, has been named the college’s winner of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL). The announcement was made at the Dublin Rotary Club meeting held on March 5, 2010 at the Dublin Country Club.

DeLaPerriere was chosen by a panel of Dublin Rotary Club judges over three other nominees for the award. The runners up were Christy Jenkins (Dodge), Jason Story (Laurens), and Lottie Rizzardi (Laurens). Rotarians who served on the panel were Jimmy Allgood, Sarah Harper, Walter McCall, Don Vinson, and Wallace Miller.

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. Local GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 27 technical colleges as well as the four Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

The announcement of DeLaPerriere as Heart of Georgia Technical College’s GOAL winner was made by Dr. Randall Peters.

Aline will now proceed to regional preliminary judging. She will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Atlanta in May where, for two-days, she will compete with GOAL finalists from the other state technical college campuses. A panel of leaders from the business, industry and government sectors will interview them and select one to be the state’s 2010 GOAL winner and the recipient of the GOAL medallion.

The grand prize also includes a new car.

Pictured above, are: (left to right) Storey, DeLaPerriere, Jenkins and Rizzardi.

The Automotive Program at Heart of Georgia Technical College was the site for a brake seminar held on March 11, 2010. The NAPA Auto Parts Store sponsored the presentation, which was open to local shops and Heart of Georgia Tech students. Mr. Lindsay Stead was the presenter. Several technicians from local shops were present to learn about new and emerging techniques along with some of the newest technology for the automotive brake systems in cars and trucks.

Medical Center of Dublin and HGTC Have Strong Working Relationship

From the moment patients walk in the door of the Medical Center in Dublin to the time they leave, their care and the hands that help administer it has been impacted by Heart of Georgia Technical College in some manner.

The eight-doctor practice and the college have built a viable working relationship over the past several years — an asset to both the local health sector and to the community at-large.

From medical assistants to x-ray technicians, nurses to human resource managers, a number of HGTC graduates and students both past and present have held positions at the practice, a positive nod to the caliber of students the college’s programs produce.

“It really helps me for people to do their internships because you can get a feel for the student,” Margie Warnock, Medical Center office manager, said of the HGTC students who have had co-ops at the practice.

A certified medical manager and office manager, Warnock works closely with a number of HGTC grads who are presently working full-time at the practice. She also deals day-to-day with the medical assistant interns.

Warnock is also chair of the medical assisting program advisory board at HGTC.

There are currently two Heart of Georgia Tech students completing medical assistant co-ops. That’s not to mention at least eight graduates of the program already working full-time at the practice, along with six x-ray technicians and phlebotomists as well as current students pursuing diplomas in licensed practical nursing and management.

Linda Wynn and Brenda Gaylor are the two medical assisting interns this semester. Each day, they learn directly from the Medical Center nurses on how to take patient vital signs, administer electrocardiograms, check patients in and out, handle referrals and insurance, perform bone density testing and obtain digital x-rays. They will have completed 10 weeks of clinical work by the end of the quarter as part of the 12-month program to earn their diplomas.

HGTC medical assistant students undergo an on-campus selection process to determine where they will complete their internships.

Wynn and Gaylor are about midway through their rotation, where each day they shadow nurses and learn the ins and outs of administrative and clinical duties in the medical assisting field.

Wynn says the experience thus far has been rewarding and effective.

“I’ve enjoyed it,” she said. “It’s a really good program out there [at HGTC].”

Warnock says working closely with the college for a number of years now lends itself to the understanding that graduates of HGTC who are hired on full-time demonstrate the necessary level of patient care and professionalism the Medical Center desires. Having such a good working relationship also helps to extend the positive work atmosphere at the practice.

“Everybody is pretty close here,” said Warnock.

HGTC Students Place in PBL District Competition

Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) students at Heart of Georgia Technical College attended and placed in the district competition which was held February 19 at Columbus Technical College.

The following students represented HGTC and are pictured (l-r) Front Row - Toni Williams (McRae), Network Design, 3rd place and Word processing, 3rd place; Oshika Stanley (Dublin), Marketing Concepts, 1st place and Business Law, 3rd place; Patricia Thomas (Dublin), participated in Accounting Principles and Word Processing; Sonya Simmons (Dublin), Computer Applications, 2nd place and Datebase Design and Applications, 1st place. Back Row - Stephen Allen (Dublin), participated in Impromptu Speaking; Walter Jones (Dublin), Justice Administration, 2nd place and Participated in Business Law; Jason Story (Dublin), Impromptu Speaking, 3rd place; Javerica Payne (Dublin), Management Concepts, 2nd place and Marketing concepts, 2nd place; and Greg Ware (Dublin), Help Desk, 2nd place and Computer Concepts, 2nd place.

PBL is a national organization for business technology and information technology students. PBL provides opportunities to develop vocational competencies for business occupations. PBL also promotes a sense of civic and personal responsibility. District, state, and national competitions are open to students in this organization. Phi Beta Lambda members are also involved in various community and charitable endeavors as well.

The students will participate in PBL State Competitions in Atlanta, April 9 – 11.

HGTC Radiologic Technology Students Attend Conference

Senior students enrolled in the Radiologic Technology Program at Heart of Georgia Technical College attended the 24th Annual Atlanta Society of Radiologic Technologists, Student and Radiographers’ Seminar and Educators’ Conference February 20-23, 2010. The seminar offered educational programs and classes in radiologic technology positioning, physics, patient care and radiation protection. Pictured are those who attended: Front Row (l-r) – Megan Durden, Laurens; Jennifer Beck, Bleckley; Blanca Flores, Laurens; Haley Burns, Treutlen; Brittany Warnock, Treutlen. Back Row (l-r) – Hannah Burns, Treutlen; Stephen Thomas, Laurens; Jennifer Swain, Telfair; Ashley Weigl, Dodge.

HGTC BRIDGE Club holds Voter Registration

The Heart of Georgia Technical College BRIDGE Club hosted a voter registration drive on February 18. BRIDGE is an acronym for Broadening and Redefining Individuality, Diversity, Goodwill, and Excellence. The club is open to students who are or have been enrolled in learning support classes and want to enhance their learning through involvement in community and self-improvement projects. Pictured are students being assisted by BRIDGE member, Jae Payne, and SkillsUSA member, June Hart, as the students register to vote. Susan Rooks, Laurens County voter registrar, and Joyce Davis, BRIDGE advisor, assisted in the registration drive.

Brenda Lausch wins Rug

Brenda Lausch was the winner of the Karastan Rug which was given away as part of the 2010 Designers’ Showhouse. Pictured are sponsors (l-r): Janet

Smith, representing Heart of Georgia Technical College; Joanne Hilburn, representing Mohawk; and Ann Curry, representing Curry Companies. Not pictured: Courier Herald Publishing, also a sponsor of the event. Mohawk Industries donated the rug. Proceeds from the event benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Dublin Exchange Club Members Serve on HGTC Panel

Members of the Dublin Exchange Club served as judges for the Heart of Georgia Technical College Rick Perkins Award of Excellence Competition. Four HGTC instructors were nominated by their peers for the Rick Perkins Award: Doug Mottern, program chair Electronics’ Technology; Kevin Livingston, technical and industrial department chair and air conditioning instructor; Kim Meeks, English instructor; and Bobbie Lowther, nursing instructor. Kim Meeks was named the winner. The event was held February 17. Pictured are Exchange Club members (l-r): Front Row – Eric Haskins, Franz Bruckmair. Back Row – Josh Crews, Marshall Jackson, and Reece Lester.

HGTC Selects Instructor of the Year

Kim Meeks, an English instructor, was selected from a group of four instructors to represent Heart of Georgia Technical College in the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction, a statewide program initiated by the Technical College System of Georgia to honor outstanding instructors at the System's 26 member institutions. The four instructors were nominated by their fellow instructors. The announcement of the winner was made by Dr. Randall Peters, HGTC president.

The other nominees included Doug Mottern, program chair Electronics’ Technology; Kevin Livingston, technical and industrial department chair and air conditioning instructor; and Bobbie Lowther, nursing instructor.

The four instructors were interviewed by Dublin Exchange Club members, Reece Lester, Franz Bruckmair, Marshall Jackson, Eric Haskins, and Josh Crews.

"Selecting a recipient for the Rick Perkins Award was a difficult task because each of the finalists had outstanding qualifications and clearly demonstrated their commitment to providing their students with a strong, sound education," said Reece Lester, Dublin Exchange Club member. "Heart of Georgia Technical College is fortunate to have a strong group of instructors. Any one of the nominees would have been an exceptional representative of the institution,” commented President Peters.

“It is truly an honor to be selected to receive this award, and I am proud to be the representative for Heart of Georgia Technical College for the Rick Perkins Award of Excellence,” Meeks commented. “I feel very fortunate to work with such a great group of people who are dedicated to improving our communities through education.”

The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction began in 1991 and is designed to recognize and honor technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. Formerly known as the Commissioner's Award of Excellence, the Rick Perkins Award was renamed in memory and honor of Thomas "Rick" Perkins, an instructor at West Central Technical College, who received the Commissioner's Award immediately prior to his untimely death.