Georgia Northwestern announced its five nominees and local winner of the 2012-2013 EAGLE Award on December 6.

In the ceremony held last Thursday, Rome, Georgia’s Jackie Jenkins was selected as the winner who will represent Georgia Northwestern Technical College on the regional level of the EAGLE competition early next year. EAGLE is an award given to an Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education.

The other local winners are Cenaida Vaughn (Catoosa County, Georgia), Victoria Wheeler (Gordon County, Georgia), Tammy Davis (Polk County, Georgia), and Megan Ellis (Walker County, Georgia).

Nominees must have made satisfactory progress within the Adult Education Program at GNTC, as well as be nominated by an instructor of the college.

Jenkins, the college winner, is very involved in her Floyd County community and works hard to inspire and encourage others to continue their education. “Jackie will be an excellent representative of not only Georgia Northwestern, but of the education process, in general,” said Connie Smith, Georgia Northwestern Technical College Vice President of Adult Education.

Diane Elrod is GNTC’s Assistant Director of Adult Education and Jenkins’ nominating instructor. “She is truly an amazing student and a great reflection of what we are all about,” said Elrod. “She’ll be tough to top on the state level. I couldn’t be prouder.” Jenkins also has won an iPad as part of her award on the collegiate level.

The EAGLE program honors and recognizes local and regional winners, as well as a final state winner.

The statewide honoree will represent the adult education program for the entire year, serving as an ambassador of adult education across the Peach State.

This is the 20th year of the EAGLE program which is held in cooperation with the Technical College System of Georgia. More than 1,500 students have been recognized for their remarkable achievements in adult education and literacy since the program’s birth in 1993.