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Evening students at the Heart of Georgia Technical College Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs at the student activity Spring Fling held on May 28, 2008. Pictured are Mary Wilcox, Christy Mullis, Terry Hullet, Terry Wilcox and Instructor Dr. Martha McBride.

HGTC and Habitat

Heart of Georgia Technical College teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to assist with the latest Habitat house. Instructors and students in the electronics and air conditioning programs helped with duct work and wiring.

Heart of Georgia Technical College student competes to be state technical college Student of the Year

Heart of Georgia Technical College student Kristi Graham represented her college at the Technical College System of Georgia’s Student of the Year competition during the 37th annual Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) competition in Atlanta.

Graham competed for the honor against students from 32 other state technical colleges and three state university system colleges with technical divisions. A panel of judges representing business and industry interviewed Graham and considered her scholastic accomplishments, leadership qualities, community involvement and future aspirations.

The eventual winner, a student from Ogeechee Technical College, was announced during the GOAL closing banquet at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Atlanta.

TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson thanked Kristi for her participation and noted that she was one of only a select few who were chosen to contend at the state level. “The competition to be named our Student of the Year is a challenging process that’s open to each of Georgia’s 141,000 technical college students,” said Jackson. “To be chosen as Heart of Georgia Technical College’s representative is an exceptional achievement and an honor to be very proud of.”

“Heart of Georgia Tech is very proud of Kristi. Every time Kristi speaks her enthusiasm shows and her faces lights up. She is a winner and a true ambassador for technical education,” commented Randall Peters, president at Heart of Georgia Technical College.

The Technical College System of Georgia oversees 33 technical colleges throughout the state. In 2007, more than 140,000 students attended TCSG colleges, which offer small classes, hands-on experience and focused instructor attention in more than 600 programs, including healthcare, aerospace, agribusiness, life sciences, and much more. The TCSG also manages the state’s adult education and GED programs, as well as Quick Start, an economic development incentive for attracting new investment to the state and promoting job creation.

Pictured: Kristi Graham and Commissioner Ron Jackson

It's the Technical College System of Georgia!

It used to be said that Georgia's system of 33 technical colleges, the exciting programs they offer, and the great career opportunities they create was one of the state's "best-kept secrets."

But not any more.

With a stroke of his pen, Governor Sonny Perdue has signed into law legislation that changes the state technical college system's official name from the old Department of Technical and Adult Education to the new Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).

Though he officially signed the TCSG legislation on May 13, the Governor made a special trip on May 22 to the system's technical college student of the year award at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Atlanta for a ceremonial signing of the bill. He made his comments before an enthusiastic crowd of system officials, college administrators, students and guests.

"Georgia's technical colleges play a vital role not only in educating our citizens, but also in recruiting new industries through our top-ranked Quick Start training program," said Perdue. "Through significant investments in our communities across the state, Georgia has developed a technical college system that is the envy of the nation."

TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson told the audience that the renaming of the system could not have come at a better time. "There's an exciting transformation going on right now where more and more students are seeing technical education as their first choice for the kind of education that leads to great jobs and fantastic careers," said Jackson.

Jackson noted that business and industry must stay competitive in today's global economy, and they're looking to the technical colleges for the skilled employees they need.

"Demand is growing for the kind of graduates that technical colleges produce in critically important fields like healthcare, aerospace and life sciences, and the same is true for jobs ranging from culinary arts to electronics," said Jackson. "We're redefining technical education for the 21st Century, and the Technical College System of Georgia speaks of the strengths and tremendous opportunities available within our family of colleges."

"We are proud to be part of a system that changes so many lives every day," said Randall Peters, president at Heart of Georgia Technical College. "This name change reinforces the strength of our resources and emphasizes that we are the best in the business in workforce training."

Last year, more than 145,000 students enrolled in Georgia's 33 technical colleges, including Heart of Georgia Technical College. Those students took advantage of the colleges' affordable tuition, small classes, hands-on experience and highly focused instruction in more than 600 certificate, diploma and degree programs.

Many TCSG students have jobs waiting for them even before they graduate. In fact, of the 27,000 TCSG graduates in 2007, almost 98% are today either employed or continuing their education.

The TCSG oversees two additional programs that are important to Georgia's future prosperity; the internationally acclaimed Quick Start program and the state's adult education and GED programs.

Last year, Quick Start provided customized training free-of-charge to almost 46,000 employees of new, expanding and existing businesses in Georgia. Quick Start has enabled Georgia to rank number one in work force training programs in Expansion Management magazine's annual survey of business and industry site selection professionals.

The TCSG's Office of Adult Education provides education services for thousands of Georgians and has enabled 132,000 men and women to earn their GEDs since 2000. It also sponsorrs the state's English as a Second Language program.

Pictured (l-r): Carl Swearingen, TCSG state board chair; Governor Perdue;Ron Jackson, TCSG commissioner.

Heart of Georgia Technical College students enjoyed popcorn, compliments of the HGTC Student Government Association (SGA). SGA is the organization made up of representatives from all occupational programs at Heart of Georgia Technical College.

“Making Work Ready Work for Your Company” was the topic for a meeting hosted by the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development (GOWD) and the Georgia chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The program was held at Heart of Georgia Technical College on May 20. The session covered the nuts and bolts of Work Ready and how to incorporate the program into the hiring process.

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Air Conditioning Program recently held an Advisory Committee Meeting. Those in attendance were (l-r front row): Harold Nelson, Mingledorff's Carrier representative of Norcross; Johnny Smith, Hape Enterprises of Cochran; Kevin Livingston, HGTC air conditioning instructor; Linda Peacock, Middle Georgia Youth Apprenticeship based in Dodge County; Walter Tyler, HGTC welding instructor; (L-r back row): Bill Carmen, East Laurens High School technology instructor; Joe Field, HGTC air conditioning technology instructor; Robert Rowe, HGTC air conditioning instructor; Travis Hatcher, Helton Electrical of Sandersville; Darrel Howell, Georgia Power; Bishop Ussery, Ussery Heat and Air; Mike Albanese, Laurens County Board of Education.

Bob Dixon, Work Ready Region Project Manager, presents information to the Advanced Manufacturing Region Core Team members on May 14, 2008. Core Team members include: Mary Purcell (Wilkinson County), Paula Rogers (Telfair County), Susan Coffee (Dodge County), Richard Jones (Dodge County), Howard Abney (Telfair County), Kathryn Fisher (Bleckley County), Chuck Ellington (Treutlen County), Jean O’Mea (Johnson County), John Clem (Laurens County), Cal Wray (Laurens County), Amy Harrelson (Region Representative), Sandra McNeal (Wheeler County), Bill Rowe (Bleckley County) and Lynn Rogers (Dodge County).

Student members of the Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) organization at Heart of Georgia Technical College recently collected pet food which they delivered to the local Humane Society. Pictured (l-r): George Garren, Pam Garren, Jill Horne, Ashley Brue, Thomas Hightower, Eddie Cole, Sharon Giambrone, Eddie Mathis.

HGTC instructor started as a technical student over 20 years ago

For Tony Martin, technical education has been part of his life for a long time. After graduating from Laurens High School in 1967, Martin went to work with a garment manufacturer and in 1981 began attending technical school in Swainsboro where he completed two Electronics programs.

With garment manufacturing being outsourced from the United States, and after the closing of some of the plants he worked with, Martin wanted to learn a skill that he could use in a variety of industries. Martin worked with four companies in the garment industry before enrolling in Heart of Georgia Technical College in 2000.

While at HGTC, Martin was a successful student. He was selected as a member of the National Technical Honor Society and was named to the President’s List. Martin was also selected as a recipient of the Tools for Outstanding Occupational Leadership (TOOLS) award given by the HGTC Foundation.

Martin completed the Machine Tool program before going to work with Lytech Corporation as a Machinist where he also performed general maintenance for the plant. While at Lytech, Martin worked as an adjunct instructor at HGTC in the Machine Tool program. When HGTC began the Industrial Maintenance program, Martin was asked to serve on the Advisory Committee.

In 2005, Martin accepted a position teaching at HGTC, where he is currently an Electronics Instructor.

As a product of technical education and now an instructor at HGTC, Martin has seen the impact technical colleges are making, “Technical education is a wonderful thing and has great value. We see so many people from plant closings that are middle aged and up. Here they have the opportunity to regroup and start over in a new career.”

Having experienced devoting 37 years to the garment industry and seeing that career end, Martin is in tune with the need for industries to keep their employees on top of the latest technology, “We have industries that send their employees to us to take Machine Tool courses to help them stay current with technology.”

Martin sees technical college education as an important part of the future workforce, “Most employees today have to have a certain level of technology education. Heart of Georgia is a wonderful place to get an education and work. Like the slogan says ‘We make it happen.’”

Pictured: Martin working on the Hydraulic Instrumentation Module.

Kristi Graham, GOAL winner at Heart of Georgia Technical College, was recently the guest speaker at the Dublin Pilot Club.

Susan Cheek, a student in the Radiologic Technology Program at Heart of Georgia Technical College, was the recipient of a scholarship from the Pilot Club of Dublin. Shown (l-r) Robin Perry, Pilot Club president; Susan Cheek, recipient; and Rosalyn Johnson, HGTC radiologic technology instructor.

After participating in Work Ready testing, Treutlen County High School seniors were taken on a tour of HGTC and were able to participate in demonstrations in several programs. The picture shows students working with HGTC students and instructors in Criminal Justice Technology and Medical Assisting. Other programs offering demonstrations included Machine Tool Technology and Computer Networking.

HGTC Alumni to hold Annual Meeting

The Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) Alumni Association will hold its Annual Meeting Tuesday, June 10, at 6:00 p.m. in the Porter Center located on the HGTC campus.

The guest speaker for the dinner will be the HGTC 2008 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner, Kristi Graham. All alumni are familiar with the GOAL program. The Alumni Association will announce the 2008 Alumnus of the Year at the meeting.

The first Mary Alice Watson Scholarship will be awarded at the meeting. The scholarship was established by Judith (Judy) R. Benton, a former member of both the HGTC Board of Directors and Foundation. Benton established the scholarship to honor Dr. Mary Alice Watson for her 20 years of service to the college. Dr. Watson was responsible for establishing the Alumni Association during her tenure at the college.

The Alumni Association has partnered with the Foundation to further the award. The scholarship will be given to a HGTC employee who is continuing his/her formal education. The $500 scholarship will be awarded annually.

This will be a great time for alumni to visit, reminisce, and build a foundation for the future of the alumni association.

All alumni, HGTC faculty and staff, board members, and retired HGTC faculty are invited to attend. Cost for the dinner is $10. For more information, contact Patti Davis at 478-274-7627 or pdavis@heartofgatech.edu.

HGTC students place in state competition

Heart of Georgia Technical College was the host location for the 2008 SkillsUSA Post Secondary State Championship, and had several students who placed in the competition. First place winners will be advancing to the national competition to be held in Kansas City in June.

1st Place

Computer Programming- David Northrup (Laurens County)

Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement)- Bruce Payne (Laurens County)

Diesel Equipment Technology-Thomas Richards (Bleckley County)

First Aid/CPR- John Pope (Washington County)

Prepared Speech - Kristi Graham (Laurens County)

Quiz Bowl - Stephen Allen (Dodge County), Mandy Thigpen (Johnson County), Eddie Mathis (Wheeler County), Charles Lynch (Bleckley County), Matt Ulery (Laurens County)

2nd Place

American Spirit - Blanca Flores (Laurens County), Lqueisha Brown (Bleckley County)

CNC Milling Technology - Kevin Lamb (Laurens County)

Criminal Justice (Ga Only) - Stephanie Wilcox (Telfair County)

Medical Assisting - Sarah Yearty (Dodge County)

Precision Machining - Jason Saverslak (Laurens County)

3rd Place

Electronic’s Technology - Jonathan Bryant (Laurens County)

Internetworking -Willie Handsome (Laurens County)

“Heart of Georgia Tech is very proud of all the state winners, and we wish them well in the national competition. Everyone is a winner,” commented HGTC President, Randall Peters.

The SkillsUSA national student organization serves trade, industrial, technical, and allied health students, with membership open to any student interested in personal and professional development. SkillsUSA emphasizes leadership, dignity, workmanship, citizenship, and respect for others. Skills USA offers opportunities for community services through charitable organizations, local and national competitions, and leadership development.

Pictured (front row l-r): Bruce Payne, Charles Lynch, Keisha Brown, Kristi Graham, Blanca Flores, Eddie Mathis. (Back row l-r): John Pope, David Northrup, Stephanie Wilcox, Stephen Allen, Kevin Lamb. Not pictured: Thomas Richards, Jonathan Bryant, Willie Handsome, Sarah Yearty, Jason Saverslak, Matt Ulery, Mandy Thigpen.

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.

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Fall 2008 nursing class held a capping ceremony on May 8. Pictured front row (l-r): Nichole Gibson (Dublin);Maquetta James (Dublin), LaShandi Wilcox (Cochran); Nikki Woods (Eastman); John Wong K (Danville). Back Row (l-r): Sherrie Blash (Cochran); Pamela Rountree (Tennille); Erica Hunter (Tennille), Heather Dean (Adrian), Jenifer Sheppard (Danville); Wendy Bream (Dublin).

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.

Alterra Bioenergy Announces Quick Start Training Initiative

Alterra Bioenergy has announced a training partnership with Georgia Quick Start and Heart of Georgia Technical College in support of their new Gordon facility. They will be manufacturing Biodiesel fuel. The new facility is located in the Tremon Industrial Park at 200 Tremon Street, Gordon, Georgia.

Quick Start is Georgia’s internationally acclaimed economic development program that provides customized workforce training at no cost to qualified new, expanding and existing businesses in Georgia. Since 1967, Quick Start has trained more than 600,000 employees through 5,100 projects with a broad range of industries.

The Quick Start training agreement was developed based on a Project Study that was conducted at Alterra Bioenergy in Gordon, Ga. The training agreement is based on Alterra Bioenergy’s commitment to provide approximately 50 new jobs for Georgians in the Wilkinson County area. Quick Start will be designing and developing training material, as well as providing instructors, for the classes.

The training program involves three distinct partners: Alterra Bioenergy, Heart of Georgia Technical College and Quick Start. Each partner will be responsible for the successful completion of this program. The partnership will not end when the Quick Start training is completed. Heart of Georgia Technical College will be available to assist Alterra Bioenergy with ongoing training programs.

Pictured at the Training Agreement Signing Ceremony, which was held on April 8, 2008, are (sitting l-r): Tim Spivey (Plant Manager); Dr. Randall Peters (HGTC president); and John Brewton (Training Coordinator). Standing (l-r) are: David Deese (Assistant Manager); Brad Hayes (Chief Quality Officer); Iraj Moradinia (Chief Technical Officer); Kirby Maxwell (Sales and Marketing); and Travis Spivey (Assistant Manager).

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Economic Development Division recently offered Excel training to employees of Garbutt Construction. Mr. Rob Jackson taught the class.

Mr. Donald Rhodes, Director of the Small Business Development Center in Macon, recently spoke to the Entrepreneurial Small Business Class being taught at Heart of Georgia Technical College as part of the Marketing Program. The class instructor is Mr. Bill Hoyt.

Heart of Georgia Technical College hosted over 60 eighth graders from Dublin Middle School on Wednesday, April 23, 2008. The event was coordinated by HGTC, Dublin Middle School, and Youth Apprenticeship. Students spent the morning shadowing students in Commercial Truck Driving, Practical Nursing, Radiology, Respiratory, and Pharmacy. Hands on demonstrations and instruction were delivered by both instructors and students.

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.

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 recently held in Atlanta. The following students represented HGTC: Stephen Allen (Cochran); Ashley Brue (Lumber City); Edward Cole, II (Eastman); George Garren (Dublin); Melinda Harden (Soperton); Thomas Hightower (Dublin); Tameka Hunter (Dublin); Yolanda Kratz (Milledgeville); Eddie Mathis (Alamo); and Tonya Parish (Eastman). Advisors for PBL are Belinda Gilbert and Beth Duggins.

The following students placed in the competition.

Impromptu Speaking Battle of the Chapters(team event)

Stephen Allen – 3rd place Stephen Allen – 4th place

Eddie Mathis – 4th place

Public Speaking Business Law and Information

George Garren – 3rd place Management

Melinda Harden – 5th place

Management Analysis and Marketing Analysis and

Decision Making Decision Making

Tameka Hunter – 2nd place Tameka Hunter – 2nd place

Client Services Telecommunications

Yolanda Kratz - 3rd place Yolanda Kratz – 3rd place

Computer Concepts Networking Concepts

Eddie Mathis – 2nd place Eddie Mathis – 2nd place

Computer Applications Word Processing

Tonya Parish - 3rd place Tonya Parish – 3rd place

Eddie Mathis and Tameka Hunter will compete in the PBL National Competition in Atlanta on June 21-24, 2008.

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.”

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.