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The Foundation chose Karen 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.

The following students received the scholarship for fall quarter: Jamise Brown (Dublin), Jackie Stoddard (Dexter), Garvis Youngblood, Jr. (Sandersville), Malissia Leach (Dudley), and Leigh Mendoza (East Dublin).

Scholarships create opportunities to change lives. Those interested in establishing a scholarship or donating to an existing scholarship, please contact Jenny Shuman at (478) 296-6117 or jshuman@heartofgatech.edu. The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Commuter Student Chooses HGTC to Get His Foot in the Door

When Sterling Morris stepped into Heart of Georgia Technical College’s diesel technology shop, he knew he was where he needed to be.

Morris had graduated from high school and enrolled at another technical college while working summers in the industry, but he just didn’t feel the type of training he was receiving fully prepared him for achieving his long-term goals.

Morris hopes to one day own his own business, but after working summers in the diesel industry he realized he had a lot to learn before he gets to where he wants to be.

“It kind of opened my eyes,” said Morris of his summer work.

That’s when he realized he needed to make a move and find a program that meshed with his professional aspirations. His mom did her own research and discovered the HGTC program online.

“Next thing you know, I was registered for school,” said Morris, who lives in Macon and commuted every day to Dublin for classes.

After having already spent some time working in the field, Morris was particularly intrigued by the HGTC setup and facilities because it mirrored what he’d already seen out in the industry.

On his very first day, he saw students doing actual work in the shop and learning as they went along. His previous school, while a bigger facility, had fewer trucks to work on.

“When I first came down, they had trucks in the shop,” he said, which was similar to the setup he’d already been exposed to working summers in the industry.

The school-day hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., are much more like a work setting as well.
And the learning is interactive and tangible, with students assisting each other in the learning process. Senior students are often paired with freshmen in the HGTC program to involve them in peer educating techniques where everyone involved learns through the interaction.

“It’s pretty much hands-on,” said Morris.

Morris, who comes from a family in the industry — both his dad and grandfather drive trucks — wants to utilize the training he’s receiving at HGTC as a springboard to bigger and better things.

He says he enjoys the responsibility of maintaining valuable equipment and ensuring that it performs at its optimal potential at all times.

“When you work on a truck, there’s so much that can happen,” said Morris. “If you do your job safely, you can keep it from happening.”

HGTC instructor Jillyn Baggett says she often reminds students of the diversity of jobs in the diesel technology industry and the versatility of the field — from dealership service to truck repair customer service, fleet mechanics work, heavy duty equipment repair and beyond.

Starting salary range for jobs is anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 based on a 40-hour work week.

“This is a good opportunity for non-traditional students,” she said. “There’s more in the field.”

At HGTC, students get exposure to it all through their live work experience.

“That makes the learning experience more real,” said instructor Jon Walraven. Walraven worked in private industry as a trucking fleet manager for several years and brings that knowledge and background to the classroom to share with his students. He says the hands-on work makes the learning more tangible for students, so that they are better prepared to meet the job demand.

“Here locally, we fill that need,” he said of the nationally-recognized program’s track record for preparing graduates.

As for Morris, he wants to use the experience he’s gaining to work toward becoming a shop manager in five to 10 years, giving himself room to explore his options. Currently, he is employed with Middle Georgia Freightliner in Macon.

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

HGTC Grad Applies Skills in Business Office Technology

Constance Floyd might be the first to admit that going to school and working full-time isn’t exactly without its challenges.

Floyd worked full-time on the 4 p.m. to midnight shift while going to school at Heart of Georgia Technical College in hopes of earning her business office technology diploma.

A 1980 graduate of Jeff Davis High School in Hazlehurst, Floyd enrolled at HGTC after seeing an advertisement in her local newspaper. She said she liked what she saw and decided to give it a try to advance her life and her career.

She enrolled in the business office technology program with the goal of becoming a medical office specialist.

“It was hard going to school in the morning and getting in from school with just enough time to leave and go to work,” said Floyd.

But she kept at it and earned her diploma. Today she works as a billing clerk at SLP Unlimited Services/Speech Therapy as a billing clerk. She said her classes at HGTC prepared her for her present line of work.

HGTC offers six diploma programs and five technical certificates of credit in its business technology program. Associate degrees in accounting, applied business technology, applied health, information technology, management and supervisory development and marketing management are also available.

The diploma programs allow students to develop administrative skills in personal computers, customer service and office management.

Day to day, Floyd applies the skills she learned in the classroom while handling monthly billing, insurance claims and office administration.

And, she said she has future aspirations of furthering her education.

“As for future plans, I may go back to school to study something else,” she said.

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

Mother of Four Hopes to Set Example for Family and Others

Darlena Young is used to heavy lifting.

After years of working strenuous jobs in manual labor and hitting dead ends, she decided to lift herself into a position to get ahead career-wise.

When the economy slowed and job possibilities dwindled, it didn’t take long for Young to realize that earning her GED was a necessity if she was to ever raise her job profile.

“I raised four kids by myself,” said Young, who quit school at age 14. “I said to myself, ‘business isn’t good, so I need to do something.’”

She did do something — she enrolled in adult education courses at Heart of Georgia Technical College — and she didn’t go alone. Her daughter, 19 at the time, enrolled with her and the two completed the journey toward their GEDs together.

“I know I should have done this a long time ago,” said Young.

She soon discovered that HGTC’s Fast Track GED program, a four-week session with enhanced and more rigorous coursework, was nothing at all like high school.

“I haven’t been to school in 31 years,” said Young, adding that she was filled with doubts initially but her desire to earn a better income and set an example for her adult children was her motivation.

Her instructor, Catherine Davis, was helpful and challenged her to succeed in the program, she said.

“If we got stuck on anything, she was right there on it.”

Young earned her GED with her daughter by her side.

“We sat beside each other,” she said. “It made me want to go even more.”

But she wasn’t done there. She’s presently enrolled in the HGTC accounting program and she hopes to one-day land a job with an accounting firm.

“I knew that just getting my GED probably wouldn’t be good enough,” said Young of the job possibilities. “It’s been on my mind for years. I’m finally doing it — and it’s wonderful.”

And despite early apprehensions, she’s even surprised herself, earning an ‘A’ on her first accounting assignment.

“I had a lot of doubts,” she said.

She says she hopes she can be an example to others who may need an additional lift, like she did, to motivate themselves to head back to the classroom.

“Don’t be apprehensive,” said Young, adding that she feels that her real life experiences during her time away from the classroom have only enhanced her motivation and her second chance at education — in a positive way.

“It’s something that you have to really want to do,” she said.

Most importantly, though, Young hopes she can be an inspiration to her own children and to the rest of her family. Her daughter has plans of furthering her education by pursuing early childhood education, and she’s encouraging her other three children to go back to school as well.

“They [her children] were following in my footsteps,” said Young.

Now, she hopes to be a more positive example for them — and for others like her to follow.

“Yes, they can do it,” said Young. “Don’t be afraid — I’m on cloud nine.”

Pictured: Darlena Young and Mona McLendon, HGTC accounting instructor

Horadan Scholarship Awarded at HGTC

DUBLIN—The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded the Horadan Scholarship to Hannah Colvin of Laurens County. Colvin is an early childhood care and education student.

According to Colvin’s instructor, Gail Clark, “She is an excellent student who is dependable, productive, honest and a team player.”

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.

Paul Joseph Macaluso Receives Howard Scholarship

Paul Joseph Macaluso of Danville is the recipient of the Johnny B. Howard Scholarship offered through the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student who plans to attend HGTC or is attending HGTC and studying the welding and joining program.

Macaluso attends Wilkinson County High School and is a dual-enrolled student in the welding program. He plans to continue his education at HGTC and complete his program of study.

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.

“The Heart of Georgia Tech employees established the scholarship with the Foundation,” said Jenny Shuman, director of institutional development and marketing. “Members of the community have also supported the scholarship and have embraced the opportunity to honor Johnny and help students in the welding program.”

“Johnny would have been very proud to know there is a scholarship to help educate future welders, and Paul is an excellent choice to receive the scholarship,” commented Shuman.

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 or call 478-296-6117. The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization.

Pictured above (l-r): Jenny Shuman, director of institutional development; Paul Macaluso, recipient; and Walter Tyler, welding instructor.

Student members of the Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) organization at Heart of Georgia Technical College recently collected pet food which was delivered to the local Humane Society. In addition to the bags of pet food, $225 was also contributed to purchase additional food. Pictured are Benjamin McDaniel (Laurens), Amy Harrelson (Laurens), Toni Williams (Telfair), Walter Jones (Laurens), Andre Scott (Laurens), Sonya Simmons (Laurens), and Janiqua Smith (Laurens). Club advisors are Beth Duggins and Belinda Fisher.

HGTC Foundation’s “Power of 1” Employee Fund Drive Successful

The Heart of Georgia Technical College has completed its 2010 Employee Fund Drive to benefit the HGTC Foundation. “Power of 1” was the theme this year for the very successful drive.

“The goal each year is participation and the HGTC family did not disappoint again this year. Over 92% of the employees either pledged or donated a total of $20,042,” said Jenny Shuman, director of institutional development and marketing.

The campaign kicked off in April at a staff meeting where employees heard testimonials from two students who had been helped by the Foundation. Twelve volunteer team leaders then took the lead in the fund drive.

“The students were an inspiration,” said Shuman. “And, the team leaders did an outstanding job of encouraging their team members to donate.”

Again this year, President Randall Peters set a challenge to employees to join the 1% Club. Peters said, “I give one percent of my salary to the Foundation. I encourage other employees to also give a thoughtful and proportional gift.” Heart of Georgia Tech had 17 employees who stepped up and joined the 1% club this year.

“Our employees always have a great giving spirit. They recognize the benefit of the Foundation’s work and know how much our students and our College benefit in so many ways,” commented Peters. “They believe in the College and see how we change lives.”

The mission of the Foundation is to support and enhance the College by encouraging private giving. For more information on the HGTC Foundation, contact Jenny Shuman at 478-296-6117, jshuman@heartofgatech.edu or visit the HGTC Foundation’s website at www.heartofgatech.edu.

HGTC Student Discovers Calling in Early Childhood Education

For Rebecca Harris, work never carries dull moments.

But that’s the part the Southwest Laurens Elementary School paraprofessional savors most about being in the classroom.

Though it may have taken her a moment to discover her true career calling, Harris says she’s grateful that she did.

“The most enjoyable part of my job is interacting with the children,” she said of her day-to-day classroom duties. “They [children] always have a way of making you smile and they really do and say the funniest things. There is never a dull moment in Pre-K.”

After graduating high school in Florida in 2006, marrying and giving birth to a child of her own, Harris and her family moved back to Georgia, and shortly thereafter, she enrolled at Heart of Georgia Technical College.

Initially, she enrolled in the business management program.

“When I graduated high school I was a little ahead of my age,” said Harris. “I had a 1-year-old little girl, and I knew I had to start on a career right away. When my husband and I moved back to Georgia I felt like the HGTC was the right school because it was small and the classes offered more one on one attention. “Unaware of what I wanted to do I went in to business management and soon learned that wasn’t for me.”

Then she discovered the rewards of interacting with the young learners.

“When I started my job at Cami’s Kids it dawned on me that teaching was something that I enjoyed,” said Harris. “I then changed my career goal right away.”

She is presently pursuing a degree in early childhood education while juggling family life and working at SWLE in the pre-K program.

“I work with children ages 4 and 5. My job is to help the lead teacher implement activities, interact and help the children with the day-to-day activities, and be there to help the children learn and understand things that are new to them.”

She plans to attend Mercer University in Macon and further her education with a bachelor’s degree and hopefully land a job teaching in the local school system. She says her experiences at HGTC have provided the resources and support she needs to pursue that dream and to help one day lay the foundation and engage young learners so they see the value of education as well through her work in the classroom.

“The early childhood program at HGTC has given me the skills to better understand children and teach them about the experiences in life that they may not have encountered outside of school,” said Harris. “I have been able to implement ideas and activities with the children that I have learned at HGTC. HGTC has also embedded great work ethic skills that can help me to be a better employee and co- worker.

“As a Christian woman I know that with prayer the Lord has given me the strength and knowledge to make it as far as I have in my education, and I would give that same advice to others who are pursuing their dreams to make sure you pray and ask the Lord to give you strength and keep your eyes on the prize.”

Laneda Sanford, a nursing student at Heart of Georgia Technical College, was the recipient of a $250 scholarship from the Pilot Club of Eastman. Nylan Hinson, Pilot club president, is shown presenting the award to Ms. Sanford.

HGTC Students Compete in SkillsUSA State Competition

Thirty-nine students from Heart of Georgia Technical College recently attended the SkillsUSA state competition to compete for state recognition and the opportunity to attend and compete at the national championships.

Those students and their area of competition were: Stephen Allen (Laurens) Opening & Closing Ceremonies; Chris Hedgecock (Treutlen) Automotive Service Technology; John Edwards (Laurens) CNC Milling; Lawrence Alligood (Wheeler) CNC Turning; Kyle Bryant (Jefferson) Diesel Equipment Technology; Phillip Chaney (Dodge) Diesel Equipment Technology; John T. Pope (Telfair) Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning; Joseph Womack (Laurens) Welding; John Thomas (Laurens) Welding Fabrication; Peter Jaskulski (Laurens) Welding Fabrication; Casey Harper (Laurens) Welding Fabrication; Sonya Simmons (Laurens) Employment Application Process; Toni Williams (Telfair) Computer Maintenance Technology; June Hart (Laurens) American Spirit; Amanda Martin (Dodge) Medical Math; Ayriel Wright (Laurens) Cosmetology; Ciera Tucker (Laurens) Opening & Closing Ceremonies; Elaine Norsworthy (Laurens) Customer Service; Ashley Brooks (Laurens) Health Knowledge Bowl; Lottie Rizzardi (Laurens) Health Occupations Professional Portfolio; Renie Cordell (Laurens) Nurse Assisting; Holly Adkins (Laurens) Opening & Closing Ceremonies; Daphne Catoe (Laurens) Opening & Closing Ceremonies; Kaylee Veal (Laurens) Opening & Closing Ceremonies; Christy Jenkins (Dodge) Opening & Closing Ceremonies; Gail Snyder (Laurens) Quiz Bowl; Russell Turner (Laurens) Quiz Bowl; Jason D. Storey (Laurens) Extemporaneous Speech; Nicholas Dixon (Laurens) Quiz Bowl; Stephen Thomas (Laurens) Health Knowledge Bowl; Williams Dobson (Telfair) Opening & Closing Ceremonies; Craig Swanson (Bleckley) Related Technical Math; Kyle Materne (Telfair) Quiz Bowl; Tina Evans (Laurens) Promotional Bulletin Board; Bobbie Jo Hollis (Laurens) Preschool Teaching Assistant; Jeff Fisher (Laurens) Quiz Bowl; Chris Mitchell (Laurens) Quiz Bowl; Nathan Mullis (Laurens) Criminal Justice; Cody Darnell (Laurens) Machine Tool Technology.

The following students, who received Gold Medals, will advance to the national competition to be held in Kansas City, Missouri in June 2010: Lawrence Thomas Alligood, Nathan Mullis, Lottie Rizzardi, Sonya Simmons, Cody Darnell, and Craig Swanson. Advisors for SkillsUSA are Kim Meeks, David Hall, Jon Walraven, Ray Powers, Lisa Jones, and Janet Smith.

SkillsUSA is an organization which provides its members with an opportunity to showcase their talents in their chosen program of study.

Pictured are some of the participants who attended the SkillsUSA State Competition.

USDA Awards First Rural Grant to

HGTC Allied Health Department

The Heart of Georgia Technical College announced this week the award of a $98,525 grant from the United States Department of Rural Development to the school’s Allied Health department. The award will allow the college to offer a “virtual” simulation lab which features an infant, a child and an adult on which students in the medical field will be able to practice and perform real life procedures.

The news comes after the college determined that the rural area the school serves was unable to adequately provide enough space and time for students to train. According to Amy Harrelson, Director of Grants and Work Ready, “The closure of some of the area’s medical treatment facilities and hospitals made us aware that we should begin preparing our facility to accommodate specific training needs for our medical field students.” Harrelson added that the grant is a partnership with the USDA Rural Development in an effort to provide better and more sophisticated services to the rural areas of the state.

According to Sylvia Rozier, the Department Chair for Allied Health, the medical services teaching arm for the college, the lab is an overdue but welcome teaching aide. “We will have the ability with this lab to bring more students through the program and to be able to increase the consistency in our training from classroom to practical training and exercises,” she explained. Beverly Trevisol, a Registered Nurse and manager of the CTC (Community Training Center) for the college, added, “The grant comes at a good time for the students at our school. We have been struggling to make sure we are providing the best training for our students and our community organizations with the most current technology available. This new simulation lab will allow our students to participate and practice their skills in the most advanced medical training setting in education today.”

Dr. Randall L. Peters, president of the college, added, “We are extremely excited that USDA Rural Development had the foresight to award the grant to Heart of Georgia Technical College. With this award, we will better position ourselves in the community as a premier provider of advanced and cutting-edge training in the medical field. Our competent staff will certainly welcome the enhancement of this state-of-the-art training aid, and our students and the citizens of our region will certainly reap the benefits of this training environment.”

Heart of Georgia Tech recognizes that the rural areas the college serves has experienced tough economic times recently, and the faculty and staff are working to develop ways to help curb costs to students while continuing to provide the highest quality education possible. According to student and community feedback solicited by the college, many times the medical students have to travel in excess of 50 miles just to practice and observe in true clinical environments. Coupled with the long commutes for many of these students who are trying to balance achieving a good education with so many other economic distractions, the lack of availability for the actual medical environment presents additional challenges for the aspiring nursing and medical students.

“This technology will allow students training for healthcare careers to get a broader range of experience much closer to home,” said Shirley M. Sherrod, state director for USDA Rural Development. “It will also allow for continuing education by those already in the field. In Georgia, healthcare is the only growth industry in terms of jobs, and those jobs tend to pay higher salaries. Very few schools have this state-of-the-art technology and it will be a real asset to Heart of Georgia Technical College.”

Funding for this project came through Rural Development’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant (R.B.E.G.) program, which provides funds to spur the economy and create jobs in rural areas. Funds can also be used for equipment and facilities that help maintain a trained workforce, as well as for technical assistance to the business community. “When we invest in education, it is always money that is well spent,” Sherrod said. “Keeping health care professionals well trained benefits us all.”

“We are really happy that Rural Development has funds available for rural Georgia,” Harrelson said. The area served by the Heart of Georgia Technical College includes the counties of Laurens, Bleckley, Telfair, Dodge, Wheeler, and Wilkinson counties. An award presentation will be held on Monday, May 24th beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Louie Livingston Hall in Dublin with Dr. Peters and state Director Sherrod speaking. There will also be a clinical demonstration and tour of the new simulation lab after the presentation of the grant.

L-R: Amy Harrelson, Director of Grants & Work Readiness, Sylvia Rozier, the Department Chair for Allied Health, and Dr. Randall Peters, President of the Heart of Georgia Technical College in Dublin, discuss the new healthcare simulation lab they have purchased with the recent award of a $98,000 grant from USDA Rural Development. The lab will allow students to receive more clinical experience as they are pursuing their healthcare degree.

HGTC Students Place in PBL State Competition

Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) students at Heart of Georgia Technical College attended and placed in the state competition which was held in April.

The following students represented HGTC:

Jason Story (Laurens) - Computer Concepts -1st place; Impromptu Speaking - 5th place

Andre Scott (Laurens) & Toni Williams (Telfair) (Team Event) - Network Design - 2nd place

Jae Payne (Laurens)- Management Concepts - 1st place; Marketing Concepts - 4th place

O'Sheika Stanley (Laurens)- Business Law - 2nd place; Marketing Concepts - 3rd place

Andre Scott (Laurens)- Networking Concepts - 2nd place

Greg Ware (Laurens)- Help Desk - 5th place

Sonya Simmons (Laurens)- Database Designs & Applications; Computer Applications

Benjamin McDaniel (Laurens)- Computer Applications

Stephen Allen (Bleckley)- Impromptu Speaking; Networking Concepts

Toni Williams (Telfair)- Word Processing

Patricia Thomas (Laurens)- Word Processing; Accounting Principles

Walter Jones (Bleckley)- Business Law; Justice Administration

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.

Eligible students will participate in the PBL National Competition in July. Club advisors are Belinda Fisher and Beth Duggins.

McRae Rotary Club GED Scholarship awarded by HGTC Foundation

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded the McRae Rotary Club GED Scholarship for Spring Quarter 2010 to Holly Barfield of McRae.

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.

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

Five students enrolled at Heart of Georgia Technical College have received the Fred A. Smith Jr. Scholarship for spring quarter.

The scholarship was established 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 Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center located in Helena.

Students receiving the scholarships are Kandice Green of Alamo, Bobby Jeffery Turner of Alamo, Elizabeth Hames of Helena, Gladaya Hamilton of McRae, and Jennifer Woodall of Helena.

Scholarships create opportunities to change lives. Those interested in establishing a scholarship or donating to an existing scholarship, please contact Jenny Shuman (478) 296-6117 or jshuman@heartofgatech.edu. The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.