Hannah Hadley of Brooks County has been chosen to represent Wiregrass Georgia Technical College as the 2020 Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Student of the Year. EAGLE is a statewide program that recognizes and rewards excellence among students enrolled in adult education programs.  The award was announced on November 18 at a reception sponsored by the Valdosta Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce and ERCO Worldwide.  This was the 23rd annual event to honor an adult education student from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.
 
The EAGLE Award program is a vital component of the Certified Literate Community Program of Georgia, an umbrella organization that brings all sectors of a community together with literacy providers to map out the best use of resources already available.  It also seeks to acquire the additional resources necessary to meet local literacy needs.  
 
Hannah was nominated by her Adult Education Instructor Toni Lewis.  Ms. Lewis shared this about her nominee, “Hannah is a woman of strong character and believes in the power of education.”  After being named the EAGLE winner, Hannah shared her testimony about her journey to the adult education program at Wiregrass. She was a happy teenager and thriving in high school when her mom became ill.  She was needed at home and ended up dropping out of school.  Being the oldest child, she found herself caring for her younger siblings and her mom.  She became a child with adult responsibilities. Her dream of working with children as a career and owning her own daycare seemed lost at the time. Perseverance and hard work have her back on track to fulfill her dreams.  She will soon finish her GED® and plans to enroll at Wiregrass afterwards and major in Early Childhood Care and Education.
 
Hannah will attend the Georgia EAGLE Leadership Institute March, 2020 in Atlanta.  The Leadership Institute recognizes and honors those students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes and programs.  The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) through its Office of Adult Education (OAE) sponsors the annual EAGLE Leadership Institute.
 
The finalists, including the winner are: Hannah Hadley (Brooks County) nominated by Toni Lewis, Charleston Lemon (Coffee County) nominated by Brianna Gillis, and Johnathan McMillian (Lowndes County) nominated by Adann-Kennn Alexxandar.  Laverne Rome representing Workforce Education Support Team, Inc. (WEST) presented Hannah with the award.