Seven students have been nominated by Charlton Road and Timothy Avenue">Georgia Northwestern Technical College for the Exceptional Adult Georgians in Literacy Education (EAGLE) recognition program.

Nominees are Dolores Barbee, Catoosa County; Stephen David-Ray Cordell, Chattooga County; Jean Clark, Dade County; Alton Marks, Floyd County; Curtis L. Gay Jr., Gordon County; Christine Pierce, Polk County; and Dennis Morris, Walker County.

EAGLE seeks to recognize and spotlight adult learners who have returned to the classroom for study in basic education skills, preparation for the GED test or English as a second language.

One representative was nominated by instructors from each county in the GNTC service area.

Dolores Barbee was nominated for EAGLE by her instructor, Donna Pierce. “Dolores will be a wonderful representative of adult education because she has the need to gain her credentials, the persistence to accomplish her goals, and the heart to share her knowledge and encouragement with other students,” stated Pierce. “As a widow raising a teenage son to fulfill his highest potential, Dolores is striving to do the same.”

Pat Money, nominating instructor for Stephen David-Ray Cordell, had this to say, “David has worked hard in his GED classes, often helping tutor others in math. His personal experience of life without an education has helped David realize the importance of obtaining his GED.”

Jean Clark was nominated by her instructor Melissa Blevins. Blevins said that Clark is someone who can and will succeed at life no matter what is sent her way. “I found out recently that Jean goes to the Dade County Jail once a week to talk with female inmates there,” added Blevins.

“Alton came to the Rome/Floyd Adult Education Center after having lost his job,” said Diane Elrod, Alton Marks’ nominating instructor. “He realized at that point how important an education would be for him. He got his GED quickly and continued to come to class to study for the GNTC admissions test.” Elrod added that Marks even tutored and encouraged fellow students. “Alton is scheduled to begin classes at GNTC in the electronics program winter quarter.”

Curtis L. Gay Jr. was nominated for EAGLE by instructor Spence Ramsey. “Curtis always had a great work ethic, was always on time, disciplined in his studies and made school a priority,” said Ramsey. “He was laid off from a local plant and he used that time in a productive manner to reformulate his goals so that he could be successful later in life. He is now enrolled in GNTC and made Dean’s list last quarter. Curtis was a model student that every teacher wishes they had.”

Anne Clay, nominating instructor for Christine Pierce said, “Christine earned the respect of fellow students and was a positive role model for students of all ages. Her work ethic and enthusiasm encouraged others to work hard to reach their goals.”

“Dennis was a pleasure to have in class,” stated Phillip Whiteside, nominating instructor for Dennis Morris. “At first he was somewhat timid about his place in class. As time went by and he gained confidence, I could count on Dennis to be an active participant in class,” added Whiteside. “He was a model student and one all other students could look to for inspiration.”

One GNTC student will be selected by a screening committee of instructors to represent the college at the annual EAGLE Leadership Institute in Atlanta in February.