(Marietta, Ga. – March 17, 2017)
The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) recognized 26 adult learners with the Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Award for outstanding achievement in the state’s adult education program. Chattahoochee Technical College Adult Education student Andrea Newsome was one of eight finalist for student of the year.
TCSG Commissioner Gretchen Corbin and Beverly E. Smith, TCSG assistant commissioner for adult education, presented the adult learners with their awards during an event at the Evergreen Conference Center in Stone Mountain on March 15.
“These are individuals who have committed to changing their lives and who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their adult education classes,” said Commissioner Corbin. “We are proud of Jonathan, and of all our EAGLE students, for their dedicated pursuit of their goals and for inspiring others in their community to follow in their path.”
Now in its 24th year, the system’s EAGLE Award acknowledges the outstanding accomplishments of Georgians who enroll in the TCSG’s adult education programs in order to study for and earn their GED® credential. More than 44,000 men and women took part in Georgia’s adult education programs last year. Each March, the local EAGLE winners are the guests of a three-day conference in Atlanta that ends with a lunch banquet in their honor.
Newsome was selected to represent Chattahoochee Technical College as the EAGLE student for her dedication and commitment to succeeding. She enrolled in the college’s Adult Education program in November of 2015. Sadly, nine months later, her 13-year-old daughter succumbed to a syndrome called Sanfilippo.
Newsome, however, returned to school at the North Metro Campus just 15 days later and continues to make educational gains. She plans to earn a diploma in Cosmetology and an associates degree in Business Management. Upon graduating, she plans on transferring to a four-year university where she hopes to complete her degree in Psychology to one day become a mental health counselor.