The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded the first Dale Thompson GED Fee Scholarships this spring. The three recipients are Jennifer Brantley, Gerald Darnell II, and Tiara Jones, all from Laurens County.

The HGTC Foundation established a GED Fee Scholarship in Dale Thompson’s memory and honor, because of his passion to help adults who had dropped out of high school and wanted to complete their education. The cost to take all five parts of the GED test is $95, or $19 for each individual section. Students enrolled in the HGTC adult education program may apply for scholarship funding to cover two of the five parts.

The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations to the Dale Thompson GED Fee Scholarship may be sent to HGTC Foundation, 560 Pinehill Road, Dublin, GA 31021, or may be made on-line at www.heartofgatech.edu.

Jeffersonville Student Takes First Place

in Manufacturing Appreciation Week Poster Design Contest

Atlanta, GA—April 2008: Logan Smith, a sixth grader from Jeffersonville, Ga., had lunch with Georgia Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle this week.

Smith, 12, took first place in the poster category of the 2008 Manufacturing Appreciation Week (MAW) student design contest. She received a $500 scholarship check, presented by Cagle at the MAW awards luncheon held today at the Cobb Galleria. Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Richard Warner was master of ceremonies.

“It was a tremendous pleasure to meet Logan today and present her with the first place award for the Manufacturing Appreciation Week student design contest,” said Cagle. “This is a significant accomplishment and Jeffersonville should be proud.”

Smith, who attends Wilkinson County Middle School, said her award-winning piece was the result of a week’s dedication to her craft. “I got ideas from my sister, who likes to draw.”

“We are excited to have a winner from the Heart of Georgia Technical College service area. This event allows the students an opportunity to learn about manufacturing and what is means to Georgia. HGTC congratulates Logan on her winning entry,” commented Jep Craig, HGTC vice president of economic development.

Students from around the state submitted design entries featuring Georgia manufacturers and their products. The three design categories were placemat, poster and t-shirt.

The awards luncheon is the highlight of MAW, celebrated this year April 14-18. Co-hosted by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, MAW brings attention to this significant component of Georgia’s economy. According to Gov. Sonny Perdue’s proclamation declaring Manufacturing Appreciation Week, nearly 10,000 manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia. They provide 447,877 jobs, contributing more than $100 billion to the state’s economy each year.

This is the 14th year celebrating Manufacturing Appreciation Week in Georgia. This year’s sponsors include AT&T; BB&T; Georgia Power; the Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute; Fullscope; Habif, Arogeti & Wynne; and Pattillo Construction.

Technology Fee Scholarship awarded at LOIC for spring quarter

Nine Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center students have received the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center Technology Fee Scholarship from the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation for spring quarter.

Those receiving the award are Bridgette Nelms of McRae, Mamie Robinson of Alamo, Jodi McCranie of Helena, Wanda V. Marchant of Milan, Melissa Best of McRae, Leah Davis of Milan, Sherri L. Kirkland of Hazelhurst, Harley Angel Lake of McRae, and Valerie Lashon Jones of Helena.

The Technology Fee Scholarship is awarded quarterly to students enrolled in a program of study at Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center (LOIC) of the Heart of Georgia Technical College. The scholarship is awarded to students who are in a good academic standing with the college. The scholarship is also based on financial need and the amount of funds available for the award.

The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. If you would like to make a donation to support the technology fee scholarship, please contact Laurie Wicker at 478-274-7878 or 478-274-7880, or visit the Foundation website at www.heartofgatech.edu.

HGTC Foundation establishes Dale Thompson Scholarship

H. Dale Thompson was a life-long advocate for adult education. Upon his passing July 2001, funds were donated to the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation to assist adult education in Thompson’s memory.

“Because of Mr. Thompson’s passion to help adults who had dropped out of high school and needed to complete their education, we wanted to use the funds in his memory for a specific area in adult education,” said Dahlia Allen, dean of adult education for Heart of Georgia Tech.

Thompson’s dream was to have a lasting effect on the progress of adult education. The HGTC Foundation established a GED Fee Scholarship in his honor. The cost to take all five parts of the GED test is $95, or $19 for each individual section. Students enrolled in the HGTC adult education program may apply for scholarship funding to cover two of the five parts.

Thompson was a life-long resident of Laurens County. He practiced law in Dublin for 52 years. His wife, Jane, and son, Scott, both live in Dublin. His daughter, Janet Greer, and her family live in LaGrange. His son, Henry, and his family live in Summerville, SC.

Heart of Georgia Technical College student Melissa Best is in the spotlight this week at the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center. She is currently enrolled in allied health core classes at the Helena center. Melissa plans to compete for admission into the Licensed Practical Nursing program in the fall. Her future goal is to become a travelling nurse. Melissa has lived and worked in Telfair County for four years, and is employed by Fred’s as the Apparel Expert. She enjoys reading, art, and playing with her dog Lizzie in her spare time.

Work Ready program to assess seniors

The first project slated for use of the half million dollar grant received by the Work Ready program for the Heart of Georgia Advanced Manufacturing Region is to assess high school seniors in the eight county service region including Laurens, Dodge, Bleckley, Wilkinson, Wheeler, Telfair, Johnson, and Treutlen counties by the end of the 2007-2008 school year. Assessments for those who have already graduated or have earned their GED are free of charge, also and are given at Heart of Georgia Technical College.

The Work Ready program, the result of a partnership between Governor Sonny Perdue and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, is designed to meet economic and workforce needs. Comprised of a skills assessment and certification for job seekers, along with a job profiling system for businesses, Work Ready will “identify the needs of businesses and the available skills of Georgia’s workforce,” according to Perdue.

HGTC Work Ready and Community Education Coordinator, Amy Harrelson, and Work Ready Region Project Manager, Bob Dixon, have been busy presenting the program to industries and education leaders. “It has been great to see principals and other educators get excited about the program,” says Dixon, “we want these graduates to have a certification that is recognized throughout the nation.” The basic test assessment to be given to seniors has three parts: reading for information, locating information, and applied mathematics. An additional assessment, work habits is available on the computer only as this time. Once the assessment is given, GAP training is available for those who would like to improve their score.

Employers are getting on board with the program, Jay Studstill, Dublin Area Manager for Georgia Power says, "The Work Ready program is an excellent way for employers to gain quality work related information on potential employees. It also gives potential employees a good way to review the skills and requirements necessary for positions in various companies or organizations. Georgia Power Company supports Heart of Georgia Technical College and the work it is doing to help get the workforce ready to meet the needs of employers in our community and state ."

Harrelson, who wrote and hand delivered the grant application to Atlanta, has been profiling positions in local industries since July of 2007. Profiling consists of giving a report of the necessary skills needed for a particular position in an organization. One industry, Acuity Brands in Bleckley County, is already seeing the impact the program can make, “Ms. Amy Harrelson worked with us to establish the Work Ready program for several job classifications within our facility. The guidelines that were established will allow us to have some objective methods of assessing job applicants. The training available to those who fall short will allow those parties with the motivation, to improve their skills and should provide an increase in candidates who are capable of performing well,” according to Steve Odom of Acuity Brands.

Local chambers are essential to coordinating Work Ready with employers, “The Dublin-Laurens County Chamber of Commerce is a partner with the Development Authority, Heart of Georgia Technical College, the City of Dublin, Laurens County, and other parties in the Work Ready initiative. As a team player, we will assist wherever we are needed to ensure that our students and employees are workforce ready to meet the challenges in today’s global economy and to live up to our slogan of “Green and Growing!” says Willie Paulk, President, Dublin-Laurens County Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority.

The grant, written following the Governor’s Strategic Plan for Workforce Development, is based on developing the workforce pipeline with the education community, engaging at-risk and out-of-school youth in education and workforce training, encouraging life-long learning as the solution to a changing work environment, removing barriers to work to ensure all Georgians are able to participate fully in the workforce, aligning workforce development with economic development, and developing and implementing an effective public awareness campaign.

Assessing seniors is an important part of the process to securing a workforce. Harrelson says, “A major area the state is focusing on is increasing the graduation rate by catching the at-risk student prior to them becoming the out-of-school youth. One goal is to hone in on the skills of the individual, giving them the opportunity to soar in their given talent area.”

Ultimately, the objective of the program is to have a skilled workforce that will be beneficial to the individual and to the community both in the present and long term. Cal Wray, Vice President of Economic Development with Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority says, “The Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority is very excited at the inclusion of the Heart of Georgia Tech, Laurens County, and Middle Georgia in the Work Ready Region Grants. As manufacturing and industry continues to evolve in the United States, a skilled workforce is one of the driving factors in site locations. This program will help to improve the measurement and assessment of our students and our future workforce in meeting the ever changing and growing needs of industry. This program complements our industrial recruitment by giving better information to potential employers on the skills that our workforce possesses.”

Information on the Georgia Work Ready Assessments can be obtained by calling Libby Lester at HGTC at 478-274-7929.

Donation to Relay for Life

(L-R): Joanne Hilburn (Mohawk), Anne Curry (Curry Realtors), and Janet Smith (Heart of Georgia Technical College) are shown presenting a check to Relay for Life co-chairs, Heather Rodgers and Nicole Padgett. Approximately $8500 was raised at the 2008 Designer’s Showhouse which was held February 14-24, 2008. Mohawk, Curry Realtors, Heart of Georgia Technical College, and The Courier Herald were the sponsors of the Showhouse.

Heart of Georgia Technical College welding student, Robert Roszell, recently competed in the Postsecondary SkillsUSA State Competition, which was held at the Georgia Power Skills Center at Plant Branch in Milledgeville. Sixteen contestants competed from throughout the state. Pictured (l-r): Robert Roszell and Walter Tyler, HGTC welding instructor.

Graduate of HGTC continues education

When Donna Harmon graduated from Heart of Georgia Technical College in 1990, she knew her education would jump start her career. Eighteen years later, Harmon serves as Administrative Assistant to HGTC President Randy Peters. Her time at HGTC prepared her with the skills and attitudes she has called on to help her succeed “I knew my instructors at HGTC expected my best and I am so thankful they did. Mrs. Becky Carroll and Ms. Jacqueline Copenny challenged me. Even when I went through a discouraging time, they helped me to see the future I could have. The work ethic they showed and the skills I learned were essential to my career.”

After graduating from HGTC, Harmon worked in customer service and as a secretary. When she began working with HGTC in 2007, she caught the education bug and has recently graduated from Middle Georgia College with an associate’s degree. She is continuing her education online through Georgia Southwestern to earn a bachelor’s degree. “The sky is the limit. I work in a place where education is a priority and each person is encouraged to better himself,” says Harmon.

As Assistant to Dr. Peters, Harmon has gained confidence in herself and her abilities, “Dr. Peters is a true visionary. He gives his best and expects the same from everyone else. I like that he is open to the possibilities and welcomes suggestions and ideas. Working with him has helped me to see that the only limits are those I put on myself. Dr. Peters has helped me expect more of myself. He cares about each of us as individuals and knows what is best for us is ultimately best for HGTC.”

Dr. Peters is equally complimentary of Harmon and the staff at HGTC, “Donna has only been with us a short while, but she has fit right in. She provides a valuable service to me as Executive Assistant while also playing a key role as assistant to our foundation director. She represents the best of what a technical education at Heart of Georgia Tech can provide to a person. I am personally gratified that she has “picked up the education bug” and is pursuing higher education as a personal goal—we truly do try to encourage that whenever possible. I’m proud of Donna…not only as an individual, but as a product of years of devoted service by our faculty and staff like those she named who were instrumental to her success. We strive to be what we term “the best in the business” here. If we are truly doing that, HGTC should be turning out people like Donna all the time…and we do.”

In her position, Harmon is part of Senior Staff with HGTC. This experience has been inspirational to her, “I enjoy learning and participating in the leadership of the college. Our staff feels a tremendous responsibility to the community and the students. I have learned from each member of the staff and admire them. It is a privilege to work as part of the team and a college that has made such a great impact.”

As far as her plans for the future once she has a bachelor degree, “I have been so inspired by the instructors here that I think about entering the education field. I feel that educators are called and that it is a noble profession. I’m not sure yet. I have a quote taped on my computer monitor that I have lived by for years. It says ‘Do any job you’re doing well and you’ll stumble over the right opportunities to do what you truly desire.’ I think that is the key.”

Harmon also draws on her family and her faith for direction. A busy wife of a pastor and mother of her nine year old son, Isaiah, she likes to stay busy with her church, yard work, and watching her son play baseball and basketball.

Long distance learning helps Arizona student earn HGTC diploma

Georgina M. Brown was not going to let over 500 miles keep her from earning a diploma from Heart of Georgia Tech.

After beginning studies at HGTC in Computer Information Systems, Brown was transferred to Arizona with the military. She originally chose HGTC to pursue a new career after working in a local manufacturing plant, “I decided to attend HGTC because I wanted a better career and without having the education and skills, I knew that it wasn’t possible for me to get a job in the field that I was most interested in. After doing some research on technical colleges, I decided to attend classes at HGTC because I liked the set schedules and knowing what to expect each semester. I was able to work during the day and attend classes at night.”

Rather than choose a local college in Arizona to continue her studies, Brown chose to enroll in online classes through HGTC. David Cooke, Business Information and Technology Instructor, has been supportive of Brown throughout her education, “Georgina graduated from my program and has landed a great job where she lives. The real success is not that she graduated, but she is in Arizona and has earned her diploma almost entirely through online classes. I think she is a great example of what distance learning was meant to be...a way to continue your education when classroom settings are not an option. She could have enrolled in schools there, but decided to finish what she started at HGTC.”

Brown recently completed nine courses to earn her Diploma in Microcomputer Specialist and was named to the President’s List several times. She currently works as a Medical Support Assistant at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, “I joined the United States Air Force as a Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Information Project Manager and I have applied the education and training that I have received from HGTC to this job as well as other jobs.”

Brown’s skills have earned her a new job offer, “I recently received a job offer as a Financial and Computer Support Technician, so I plan to apply all that I have learned through classes with HGTC to this job.”

The decision to continue her education through HGTC was an easy one, “I like the fact that HGTC prepared me for the workforce and that they continue to be an excellent training and facilities resource with the technology to meet businesses needs. I also liked that HGTC allowed me to continue my education online with them whether I was stateside or overseas.”

HGTC Foundation awards first five Dr. Fred A. Smith Jr. Scholarships

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded the first Dr. Fred A. Smith Jr. Scholarships Friday, April 4, 2008, at the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center. Dr. Howard Abney (front R), dean of LOIC, is pictured on the front row (L-R) are four of the five recipients: Leah Davis, Jodi McCranie, Mamie Robinson, and Melissa Best. Back row (L-R): Beverly Brown, HGTC trustee; Eddie Selph, president of The Merchants & Citizens Bank; Janice Irvin, HGTC trustee; Paula Rogers, president of the Telfair Chamber of Commerce; Jimmy Ray, HGTC trustee; and Laurie Wicker, HGTC Foundation executive director.

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded the first five Dr. Fred A. Smith Jr. Scholarships on April 4 at a presentation ceremony held at the Little Ocmulgee Instruction Center (LOIC) in Helena.

The scholarship was established earlier this year by The Merchants & Citizens Bank of McRae in memory and honor of Dr. Fredrick Augustus Smith Jr. The scholarship is based on financial need and is for students enrolled at the LOIC. Students receiving the scholarships are Bridgette Nelms of McRae, Leah Davis of Milan, Mamie C. Robinson of Alamo, Jodi McCranie of Helena and Melisa Best of McRae.

Dr. Smith was a lifelong resident of Telfair County. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1937 with a bachelor of science and received a doctor of medicine degree from Emory University in 1941. Dr. Smith was a veteran of World War II, serving as captain and surgeon in the Emory Medical Unit in Europe and North Africa. He was vice chairman of the Board of Directors of The Merchants and Citizens Bank, a member of the McRae Rotary Club, and active in the timber industry. He practiced medicine for 50 years in McRae and the surrounding area. Dr. Smith passed away on Jan. 15, 1999, at age 82.

The Foundation will award five, $50 Smith Scholarships quarterly. “The M & C Bank expressed an interest in helping as many students as possible,” said Dr. Howard Abney, dean of the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center. “Even with the majority of our students on the HOPE grant,” Abney said, “they still need funds for books and supplies—which add up quickly.”

Scholarships create opportunities to change lives. Those interested in establishing a scholarship or donating to an existing scholarship, please contact Laurie Wicker at (478) 274-7878 or lwicker@heartofgatech.edu. The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Mohawk Industries recently held a graduation for employees who were enrolled in the Heart of Georgia Technical College Certified Manufacturing Specialist Program. Mike Klawin was the instructor. Those participating (l-r): Eric Johnson, Kevin Soles, Danny Wilson, HGTC Instructor Mike Klawin, Marty Harrison, Richard Dorsey, Kelly Newton, Kay Ricks. Not pictured: John Burnett

Students in the Radiologic Technology Program at Heart of Georgia Technical College recently attended the Atlanta Society of Radiologic Technologist Students and Radiographers’ Seminar and Educators’ Conference. The seminar topics included: Modalities Imaging, Trauma Imaging, Digital Imaging, Patient Assessment, Emergency Codes, Learning Styles, Equipment Maintenance, and Pathology. Pictured are students who attended: Kneeling – Jacob Pool (Johnson); Lindsay Turner-Elliott (Washington); Terry Kesler (Houston); Ashley Mullis (Laurens); Leigh Scott (Washington). Middle Row: Jim Cole (Bleckley); Carla Rachels (Johnson); Maria Tucker (Telfair); Casey Spires (Telfair); Brandy Stokes (Telfair). Back row: Corey Thomas (Washington); David Chapman (Baldwin); Jason Clark (Toombs). Instructors Stephanie Morris and Rosalyn Johnson accompanied the group.

Pictured is Deb Thomsen, nursing instructor at Heart of Georgia Technical College, sharing information about the upcoming Pain Management Seminar with HGTC students. HGTC and United Hospice are teaming up to present the seminar. Susan Prather, an expert in the field of Pain Management, will be the presenter at the seminar to be held April 24, 9 am – 3 pm, at the Heart of Georgia Technical College DuBose Conference Center in Dublin. The information is appropriate for RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and other health care professionals. Six (6) Continuing Education Units will be given to those needing credits. The seminar is free and open to the public; however, reservations are required. Lunch will be provided.

To reserve a seat for the Pain Management Seminar, call

478-237-7798, 800-624-3845, or 478-296-6117.

Dr. Randall Peters, president of Heart of Georgia Technical College, bids farewell to Bob Rodgers of Harper and Company Builders, Inc. Mr. Rodgers served as project supervisor of the Telfair County Community Development Block Grant. The new building will allow expanded space for HGTC’s credit, adult education/GED, and non credit programs.

HGTC education allows graduate to work from home

Ellen Tyler never expected to go to college, “I really never considered myself a person who would be “college material.” I really didn’t like high school. I know everyone says those are the best years of your life, and although I had great friends, I just didn’t like school, and I just got by grade wise.” But when friends that attended Heart of Georgia Tech recommended the college, Tyler decided to give it a try.

After graduating from West Laurens High School in 1995, Tyler enrolled, “I attended HGTC for a couple of quarters right after high school, majoring in business management. Needing money, I withdrew and went to work full-time. I knew that I wanted to go back to HGTC, and so I returned in 1997, majoring in medical secretary. I continued working full-time and attending school part-time. I enjoyed going to HGTC even then. Everyone was willing to help everyone else. It is still that way to this day.”

The greatest thing Tyler appreciates about her education is being able to work from home as a Medical Transcriptionist so she can spend time with her son who is nearly four years old. With the changes in the medical transcription, Tyler has again enrolled at HGTC, “I have been working in medical transcription ever since I graduated in 1999 from the medical secretary major. I like what I do, but the industry is changing so much, with work being out-sourced and voice recognition, the pay is being cut almost in half. So, I am currently enrolled at HGTC again to gain a career in Radiology Technology. Last year, I decided that since my son would be starting school in August 2008, it would be a great time to get training in a new career.”

While at HGTC the first time, Tyler was a member of the National Technical Honors Society and was named to the President’s List. Lisa Kelly, director of testing for HGTC has worked with Tyler since she started at HGTC, “Ellen has been doing medical transcription for various companies while completing the allied health core classes to
compete for Radiology in Fall 2008. She is a superior student and I've had interaction with Ellen off-and-on since she was first admitted to HGTC. She's a great example of how her initial office skills have allowed her to work at home.”

So far, Tyler is doing well in her courses, “I know that when I get my diploma in radiologic technology, I want to continue on to get my associate’s degree. I am really interested in radiation therapy and hope to be able to continue my education in that direction. I have really surprised myself at being able to maintain a 4.0 GPA with having a busy family life while working full-time as well. My family has been so supportive, especially my husband and parents, helping me with anything so that I have the time to study. I want to give me and my family a better future.”