Latest News
Wilkinson County Teachers Tour Ron Clark Academy
 
Learning mathematics by running a community café, traveling to 6 out of 7 continents in 4 years, getting a chance to meet Nelson Mandela, learning about history through clever lyrics to popular music, and dancing on desks for a work ethics lesson are all things one might get to do as a student at the Ron Clark Academy. On Friday, March 14, 2008, the Stay in School Program arranged for three Wilkinson County teachers to tour the famed Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. The educators who were present for the tour were as follows: Ms Angela Smith, English teacher, Dr. Jeri Dies, Foreign Language teacher, Ms Phyllis Schliebner, Media Specialist and Ms Alissa Sypsa, Stay in School Specialist. The Ron Clark Academy is a private institution serving 5th grade through 8th grade, the majority of which live in one of the most crime ridden areas in metro Atlanta. Although the students at the Ron Clark Academy are from low socio-economic backgrounds, they do not allow that as an excuse for mediocrity. Each student will travel to 6 out of the 7 continents by the time they graduate and are educated using real world situations. When asked her impressions of the tour, Schliebner related, “I was amazed at the performance of the children. We were told that one third of the children had learning problems, one third had behavior problems, and one third was gifted. It was impossible to tell which children had problems and which were gifted. They were all so articulate and well mannered no problems were evident. I was also impressed with the fact that parents were required to perform 40 hours of community service per year at the school. Parental involvement makes such a difference in a student’s academic success.” The teachers plan to present the information they gathered throughout the tour to teachers at an upcoming faculty meeting. Stay in School is a grant funded program sponsored by Heart of Georgia Technical College through its partner agency, the Wilkinson County School System that links schoolwork to life in the real world.
Nancy Cobb, OneGeorgia Authority executive director, keynote speaker at HGTC Graduation
Nancy Cobb, executive director of the OneGeorgia Authority, will be the keynote speaker at the Heart of Georgia Technical College graduation ceremony to be held April 10, 2008.
Mrs. Cobb was sworn in as Executive Director of the OneGeorgia Authority in July 2002 and was reappointed by Governor Sonny Perdue in October 2003. She has been an integral part of the policies, program development, investments and management of the Authority since start-up.
Nancy was born and raised in Jenkins County. She was educated in the public schools in Millen and holds an A.S. degree from Middle Georgia College and a BBA in Accounting from Georgia State College and University. She is a Certified Governmental Finance officer and is a Certified Public Accountant candidate, having passed all testing requirements.
Cobb has developed a diverse background in finance, accounting and rural economic development through her professional career. She also serves on several boards, including serving as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Southern Growth Policies Board, the National Historic Register Review Board, the Georgia Rural Development Council, Georgia Economic Developers Association, Georgia Cities Foundation, Georgia Centers of Innovation, and the Governor’s Entrepreneurial-Small Business Coordinating Network.
Nancy is a graduate of the Dublin-Laurens Leadership program, Chair of the Office Technologies Advisory Committee for Heart of Georgia Technical College, Program Chair for the Dublin Rotary Club, and a retired member of the Dublin Service League.
The graduation ceremony, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Heart of Georgia Technical College DuBose Porter Center, is free and open to the public.
Georgia Work Ready Assessment now offered at HGTC Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center
The Georgia Work Ready Assessment is now being offered, by appointment only, at the Heart of Georgia Technical College Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center. According to Dr. Howard Abney, dean of the center, the assessments will be offered at 9 am on Friday mornings. There is no charge to the examinee. Pictured is Dr. Howard Abney, who has completed his assessment and is Work Ready Certified, and Ms. Paula Rogers, President of the Telfair County Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Rogers is the first tester at the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center and is also Work Ready Certified. For more information, call 229-868-7857.
Student chooses technical college to better his family
For Derek Sutton, the choice to enroll at Heart of Georgia Technical College was a decision he made for his family. After years behind the wheel of a truck as a driver, Sutton made the decision to find a career that would keep him closer to home and his family, and that’s when he chose to enter the Diesel Equipment Technology program at HGTC. “My goal is to teach my boys what I know and have a business to pass on,” says Sutton.
After graduating from Dodge County High School, Sutton served over seven years in the Army before he began driving trucks for a living. After getting married and the birth of his first son, Sutton knew he wanted to be more present for his wife and son. “I had always heard of HGTC, but I didn’t see school as something I could afford. I had a family and bills to pay,” he says. But Sutton and his wife have worked out a plan to avoid the costs of childcare while she works full-time and he goes to college. They have both been willing to make the sacrifices to have him closer to home.
One thing that has helped Sutton afford to attend HGTC full-time has been the work he is able to find as a Diesel Mechanic since being selected a recipient of the Tools for Outstanding Occupational Leadership award. This award, sponsored through the HGTC Foundation, awards outstanding students with the tools they need to help them get started in their career. Sutton was given mechanic’s tools needed for working on diesel engines.
Diesel Equipment Instructor, Jillyn Baggett nominated Sutton for the TOOLS Award, “Derek Sutton is a model student. Not only does he stay on task with his work, he is a leader to the other students. He genuinely cares about his success as well as his classmates. Derek is a “take charge” type of person and he will be an asset to any future employer.”
Sutton doesn’t take the opportunity to learn his skill lightly, “Derek is an exemplary student with a great work ethic. He has a goal and applies himself, making good use of his time,” says Marion Hall, diesel equipment instructor. Sutton has the highest grade point average in his class and is consistently named to the President’s List. He is equally complimentary of Hall, “Mr. Hall expects a lot from all of us. As hard as he works for me, I need to put in as much effort as he does.”
The Diesel Equipment program emphasizes a combination of diesel equipment theory and the practical application necessary for successful employment in a number of fields utilizing diesel technology. Students may earn entry-level certification in three quarters with the program. The full diploma requires six quarters. Placement rate of graduates has been 100% for years.
Now with two boys, Sutton is on his way to a new career, “I know with the education I have received here that I will have the confidence to do the work needed in my career.”
The Heart of Georgia Technical College Continuing Education Division recently held an Introduction to Computers class. Pictured is Melanie Newman, instructor, and students. For information on upcoming continuing education classes, call 478-275-6592.
HGTC selected as pilot for jump start
The Technical College System of Georgia has chosen Heart of Georgia Technical College as a pilot location for its new program Jump Start. The program is designed to encourage dual enrollment between Adult Education and credit programs.
In the past, Adult Education students at Georgia technical colleges were required to complete that program before entering credit programs for the various certificates, diplomas and degrees. The jump start program will allow students to work toward their GED while taking classes toward a certificate or diploma if they qualify.
“Jump Start will encourage Adult Education students to continue on and fulfill the requirements of the credit programs,” says Brooka Hutcheson, director of admissions for HGTC. “There are restraints in place to give the student the best chance to succeed in the credit courses. Students are required to score at grade equivalence on an assessment test to ensure they are ready for credit work. Students as young as sixteen may be assessed for the Jump Start program. The HOPE Grant is available to those eligible. All credit programs will be accessible through Jump Start.”
The Adult Education program is for adult learners looking to obtain their GED and the improved opportunities that follow. Over 18,000 students in adult education in Georgia obtained their GED in 2007, increasing their potential for better earnings, higher education, and better lives.
Jump Start can also reduce the time in school to earn a diploma or certificate by not having to wait until the GED is passed to begin classes. “The goal is to get a student interested in continuing education after passing the GED by giving them a taste of the program they are interested in while working towards their GED,” says Hutcheson.
The Adult Ed program is strong at HGTC, with classes in six counties. The second largest class of students recently graduated in January. The assessment test is given free of charge. Information on Adult Education or the Jump Start program can be obtained by calling 478-274-7848.
The Heart of Georgia Technical College Continuing Education Division recently held a Photography class. Pictured is Wes Garin, instructor, and students. For information on upcoming continuing education classes, call 478-275-6592.
2008 GOAL Winner Has Reached Top of the Hill |
|
|
By STACYE LEE
The Courier Herald
Kristi Graham likes the view from the top of the hill rather than the bottom.
“In the past, I would start up the hill, get halfway and turn around, for I lacked the self-confidence it took to get there,” she told the Dublin Rotary Club Friday, shortly before being named the 2008 winner of the Heart of Georgia Technical College Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership. “I was tired of fighting this hill, and I knew in order to change my life, I had to change my thoughts. Therefore, I enrolled at HGTC.”
Graham’s journey has not been an easy one. As a 1994 high school graduate with a young child, Graham said she began the upward climb many times, only to turn around when the road became too steep. Enrolling at HGTC changed her life.
The 31-year-old married mom has maintained a 4.0 GPA and is president of the Bridge Club, a group which helps students “bridge” from beginning student to career-oriented achiever.
“My education has given me leadership and networking skills that I need to be a good ambassador for technical education,” she said.
And now, the aspiring diagnostic medical sonographer has already achieved another dream - that of seeing her name in lights.
Her name and the names of three other GOAL finalists were displayed across the scrolling electronic sign which welcomes visitors and students to the campus.
Graham told her 13-year-old son at the time she saw her name in large red letters emblazoned across the sign, “I told you one day my name would be in lights.”
Other finalists of the 2008 GOAL program on hand Friday for the recognition ceremony were Joy Lewis, Eddie Mathis and Otis Fortner. Each gave a three-minute speech of how a technical education has impacted their lives before Graham was announced the winner by Beth Crumpton, executive vice-president at HGTC. The four were among 11 students nominated by the instructors for the program.
“This is the ultimate interview to be able to get this far,” said Janet Smith, Student Life/Special Populations and local GOAL program coordinator at HGTC.
According to Smith, the GOAL program, sponsored statewide by the Technical College System of Georgia, is the first statewide program in the nation to honor excellence among technical college students at the post-secondary level.
“The GOAL program seeks to spotlight the role of technical education in our modern economy and to emphasize the dignity of work,” she said.
Smith worked in cooperation with officials of the Dublin Rotary Club, Dublin/Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, the HGTC Foundation, Bank of America, and the HGTC Student Council, the local sponsoring organizations, to choose a student from Heart of Georgia Technical College to represent the college in the state GOAL competition in Atlanta during GOAL Week, May 20-23, 2008.
A screening committee comprised of staff from Heart of Georgia Technical College and Business and Industry representatives from the community interviewed the following students for the GOAL competition:
Following is a list of the students and the county in which they are from, the program of study and the nominating instructor:
•Tanicka Blash (Laurens), Health Information Technology, Tammy Bayto
• Susan Cheek (Bleckley), Radiologic Technology, Norma Akins
•Glenda Edwards (Dodge), Early Childhood Education, Norma Akins
•Otis Fortner (Johnson), Diesel Equipment Technology, Jillyn Baggett
•Kristi Graham (Laurens), Radiologic Technology, Kim Meeks
•Krystle Howell (Laurens), Applied Business Technology, Jacqueline Copenny
•Walter Jones (Laurens), Criminal Justice Technology, Norma Akins
•Joy Lewis (Laurens), Management and Supervisory Development, Belinda Gilbert
•Eddie Mathis (Wheeler), Networking Specialist, Homer Moxley
•Eddie Swint (Laurens), Air Conditioning Technology, Kevin Livingston
•Mandy Thigpen (Laurens), Diesel Equipment Technology, Jillyn Baggett
The screening committee was comprised of Brooka Hutcheson (HGTC), Ernest Wade (Georgia Fatherhood Program), Stephen Allen (HGTC 2007 GOAL winner), Don Daily (Business and Industry representative, Dexter Supply), Shannon Perry (Business and Industry representative, Middle Georgia College).
Four finalists were named and a selection committee made up of members of the Dublin Rotary Club interviewed the individuals. The four finalists were: Otis Fortner, Kristi Graham, Joy Lewis, and Eddie Mathis. Dublin Rotary Club members who served on the committee were: Dee Cullen, David Lawrence, Walter McCall, Don Vinson, and Ashlee Torpy.
As the college winner, Graham will compete with students from 38 other technical colleges in Georgia for the 2008 state GOAL medallion. A new car will be awarded to the state GOAL winner.
“Since the grand prize in the state contest is a new car, there is tremendous competition among the colleges,” said Smith. “We make every effort to select our most outstanding student because we want to bring home the state winner.”
Graham hopes she will be just that person. She considers herself fortunate to be where she is today - at the top of the hill.
“Currently, technical education is giving me the chance to make life better for my son and I will not let him down. I will continue to give it all I’ve got.”
— HGTC contributed to this article. To comment, email slee@courier-herald.com.
|
HGTC Students Place in District Competition
Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) students at Heart of Georgia Technical College attended and placed in District Competition at Middle Georgia Technical College in Warner Robins on February 22. These students will be attending PBL State Competition. Advisors for PBL are Belinda Gilbert and Beth Duggins.
Tonya Parish (Eastman), Computer Applications, 1st place; Word Processing, 3rd place
Eddie Mathis (Alamo), Computer Concepts, 2nd place
Melinda Harden (Soperton), Hospitality Management, 2nd place; Information Management, 2nd place
Barbara Taylor (Dublin), Human Resource Management, 3rd place; Marketing Concepts, 2nd place
Stephen Allen (Cochran), Impromptu Speaking, 3rd place
Thomas Hightower (Dublin), Sports Management and Marketing, 1st place
Yolanda Kratz (Milledgeville), Telecommunications, 1st place
Eddie Mathis and Stephen Allen, Battle of the Chapters, 2nd place
George Garren (Dublin), Accounting Principles; Accounting Analysis and Design
Ashley Brue (Lumber City), Information Management; Business Law
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.
Dr. Randall Peters, HGTC president, commented, “These students exemplify the caliber of education and training that is on-going at Heart of Georgia Technical College. I, as well as the entire faculty and staff, congratulate them on their success.”
Pictured (l-r) Front row: Yolanda Kratz, Ashley Brue, Thomas Hightower. Back row: Tonya Parish, Barbara Taylor, Eddie Mathis, Melinda Harden, Stephen Allen, and George Garren.
Gilman wins EAGLE award
Heather Gilman hasn’t always thought of herself as a leader. When she dropped out of high school in tenth grade, her future did not look bright, “I made some bad choices, but now I am on the right track,” she says.
Gilman was recently awarded the Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education award for Heart of Georgia Technical College. The award is designed to promote literacy and recognize honor students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and achievement in adult literacy classes. The program was designed to generate a greater awareness of the educational opportunities that are available to communities across Georgia and to foster lifelong learning and involvement.
After being out of school for several years, Gilman’s aunt told her about the GED program offered at HGTC, “Everyone encouraged me to start the program. I had been a good student, all A’s and B’s, and I knew I needed to get my GED to find a good job. I wasn’t having much luck getting jobs and as a single mom, I knew I needed more,” says Gilman.
After enrolling in the GED program in April 2007, Gilman passed the GED in September of 2007 and graduated from the program in January. She has since entered the Associates Degree program at HGTC and has started studying to become a Respiratory Therapist. She is also involved with the Work Study program, working 15 hours a week in the Radiology department.
Adult Education Department Chair, Dahlia Allen, says Gilman’s instructors noticed her leadership qualities early on, “Heather is a good representative of our Adult Education program. Once she earned her GED, she enrolled in the credit program.” Gilman is appreciative of the chance to represent HGTC as the Eagle winner. She recently attended the Eagle Institute in Atlanta with other state winners. Corshea Thomas nominated Gilman for the award saying, “Heather is a dedicated student who has overcome many personal obstacles. She is very driven and goal oriented.”
The Adult Ed program recently graduated its second largest class in January, “We have a strong program at HGTC, with classes in six counties. We have very caring teachers who want to see their students succeed. The only costs of the program to the student are their time and effort,” says Allen.
Prospective students desiring to enroll in Adult Education are given the TABE test to determine their strengths and weaknesses. The GED practice test may also be given. Both tests are free of charge.
Anyone interested in more information regarding Adult Education classes should call 478-274-7848.
Like daughter, like mother
When the company Sylvia Brantley was working for was transferring her position out of state, she had to make a decision. A friend in the human resources department asked her, “Sylvia, if you could do anything you want to do, what would it be? I knew I had wanted to be a nurse all my life. It was then I decided to take early retirement, start college and begin pursuing a career in nursing,” says Brantley.
After having two successful careers, Brantley enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nursing program, attending two other colleges before enrolling at Heart of Georgia Technical College. Brantley’s daughter, Debbie Brooks, had graduated from the LPN program the second year after the program started and had encouraged her to check out HGTC.
Brantley has already lived a full life. As a single mother of three, she has seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. At age 60, she is completing the LPN program at HGTC and will be entering Macon State College in the Registered Nursing program in the fall while working as an LPN. Through a series of seemingly impossible circumstances and deadlines, Brantley has succeeded in what she knows is her calling, “I know this is my life calling; it was a miracle how it all worked out. I just determined that when it is meant to be, it is meant to be,” she says.
Instead of seeing her age as a handicap, Brantley has seen it as an advantage, “Students say Ms. Sylvia, if you can do it, I can. Nursing is hard, no matter what age. Going to school has not been hard, but nursing is hard.” Practical Nursing Instructor, Deborah Thomsen, says, “Sylvia is a very outgoing, energetic student who has that nurturing nature about her. She has won over most of her classmates as a person to confide in and get advice from by being a very positive role model for them.”
Brantley’s desire is to one day work with cancer patients and feels strongly that nursing is a calling, “Although nursing offers a stable career and good money, it is not for everyone.” Before enrolling at HGTC, Brantley researched area programs and found that HGTC offered more clinical hours, “The HGTC program is by far superior to other programs and the LPN program offers the best education for patient care. The college is much respected.”
Brantley knows she made the right decision to enter college in her late fifties, “I know in my heart this is what I want to do. If I can make a difference in one person’s life, it will be worth it all. I think nursing is the greatest thing in the world. I love it!”
i.
|
