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HGTC Foundation Awards McCullough Scholarship

                  Dublin—The Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) Foundation awarded the Alton Lee McCullough Scholarship May 21 at the West Laurens High School Honor’s Night to Cody Ryan Woodard of Dublin. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded in $200 stipends over five quarters.

                  The Alton Lee McCullough Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior from the Laurens County School System who enrolls in a technical or industrial program at HGTC. The scholarship is given in memory of Alton Lee McCullough, a life-long resident of Laurens County. “Mr. Mac” was a retired vocational teacher, school administrator, and farmer. He was a Laurens County School Superintendent from 1965 to 1973 and in his capacity of superintendent was an advocate for the adjacent location of a comprehensive high school and technical school at the intersection of Interstate 16 and U.S. Highway 441—what we know as West Laurens High School and Heart of Georgia Technical College today.

                  Woodard is currently taking classes in the welding and joining technology program at Heart of Georgia Technical College as a dual enrolled student. 

The Alton Lee McCullough Scholarship was established in August 2002.

Pictured (l-r):  Dr. Howard Abney, dean, HGTC; Cody Ryan Woodard; and Doris Abney. 

HGTC Foundation Awards Brandon T. Lawrence Scholarship

                  The Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) Foundation awarded the Brandon T. Lawrence Scholarship at the Wheeler County High School Honor’s Night on May 13 to Ricky Westberry of Helena. The $500 scholarship will be awarded in $250 stipends.  Robbie Hobbs, high school coordinator for HGTC, presented the award.

                  The Brandon T. Lawrence Scholarship is given in memory of Brandon Timothy Lawrence, who at age 15 lost his life in a car accident. Because of Lawrence’s zest for life, high academic achievements, and love of people, his family established the scholarship.

                  Mr. Westberry plans to begin Heart of Georgia Technical College in the fall in the Computer Information Systems - Computer Support Specialist Program. 

                  Pictured (l-r):  Stacye Benson (mother of Brandon Lawrence); Ricky Westberry, Robbie Hobbs (HGTC high school coordinator); and Douglas Price (grandfather of Brandon Lawrence).

Career Coloring Books Delivered to Saxon Elementary

Fast Track Program Offers Four-Week Session to GED

When Cid Wait returned to school to earn her GED, she knew she’d need a few refresher courses to beef up her math skills, but she didn’t want to be held back in a program that went more in-depth than she felt she needed.

She sought a more learning-focused program geared toward her specific areas of weakness.

Fortunately for Wait and others like her seeking a more structured curriculum, adult education students looking to earn their GEDs on the fast track can look no further than a relatively new study program at Heart of Georgia Technical College.

HGTC’s Fast Track GED program, a four-week session, is an enhanced and more rigorous course of study to prep students for the GED. HGTC is one of the first in the state to offer the Fast Track sessions.

“The beauty of the Fast Track is any student who tests in and does what it requires, will pass the GED,” said Dahlia Allen, HGTC’s dean of adult education.

To enter the program, students must score on a 10th grade level or above on the standard assessment, the TABE or Test of Adult Basic Education, a requirement for all students enrolled in GED programs across the state.

The program is more rigid than the traditional GED prep coursework and much more fast-paced.

“Everything is on a slightly elevated level,” said Wait, who is enrolled in Fast Track at HGTC’s Dublin campus.

This is the second year the Fast Track program has been offered at HGTC. Classes meet on the Dublin campus every Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Fast Track sessions are also offered at HGTC’s Eastman campus on Thursdays and at the Little Ocmulgee campus in Telfair County every Monday through Thursday.

Additionally, a new Fast Track session has been launched to accommodate working students’ schedules.

“We’re opening one at Communities in Schools [in Dublin] on Friday nights and Saturday mornings,” said Allen.

The program at CIS, located on North Elm Street, will operate four consecutive weekends.

HGTC also offers free traditional GED classes in each of its six service counties: Laurens, Dodge, Bleckley, Telfair, Wheeler and Wilkinson counties.

So far this year, 975 students have enrolled in adult education courses within HGTC’s six-county service area. The traditional GED programs run continuously at HGTC campuses each quarter.

Allen contends the Fast Track program is not for every student because it requires an increased level of commitment. Fast Track students can only have one absence during the four-week session, and on their second absence they are moved back into the traditional GED classes.

Both Allen and Fast Track instructor Corshea Thomas noted that Fast Track students are often honor graduates, crediting the more rigid focus on learning the specific skills. Fast Track students also take the Work Ready assessment during the course of the session, and they typically do quite well, according to Allen.

“They’re ready for the GED and they have the Work Ready certification,” once they complete the month-long session, said Allen.

The Fast Track session has smaller classes than the typical GED classes, and is limited to 15 students per quarter. Each session focuses specifically on math and writing review. The GED tests students’ knowledge on reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

For Wait, the Fast Track math review was just what she was looking for.

“This has just been so good,” said Wait. “It’s taking those weak areas and just refreshing those. I’ve had a few light bulbs go off.”

She noted the program also prepares students for taking the actual GED by helping to curb testing anxiety.

“It just makes my learning experience more effective,” said Wait. “The opportunity is there to get it done.”

And the fast-paced program has given her just the right push that she needs.

“Everything’s on a slightly elevated level,” said Wait. “We’re not spending too much time on things we don’t need to be spending time on.”

Summer quarter begins July 8. For more information on HGTC’s Adult Education program, contact (478) 274-7849.

Pictured:  HGTC Fast Track instructor, Corshea Thomas

Pilot Club of Dublin Meets at HGTC

The Pilot Club of Dublin held its May meeting at Heart of Georgia Technical College.  After a very informative program presented by Janet Smith, HGTC GOAL coordinator and Mandy Wood, GOAL winner, the club toured Louie Livingston Hall.  Pictured:  Robyn Bedingfield, HGTC recruiter, showing off the library and Pilot Club members, Lucy Skinner and Jennifer Bryant (at shampoo bowl) visiting the cosmetology department.

Fast Track Program at HGTC Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center Offers Four-Week Session to GED

HELENA — Adult education students and prospective students seeking to earn their GEDs on the fast track can look no further than a relatively new study program at Heart of Georgia Technical College.

HGTC’s Fast Track GED program, a four-week session, is an enhanced and more rigorous course of study to prep students for the GED. HGTC is one of the first in the state to offer the Fast Track sessions.

“The beauty of the Fast Track is any student who tests in and does what it requires, will pass the GED,” said Dahlia Allen, HGTC’s dean of adult education.

To enter the program, students must score on a 10th grade level or above on the standard assessment, the TABE or Test of Adult Basic Education, a requirement for all students enrolled in GED programs across the state.

The program is more rigid than the traditional GED prep coursework and much more fast-paced.

This is the second year Fast Track has been offered through HGTC. Classes meet at the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center every Monday through Thursday morning from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. throughout the course of the month-long session. Fast Track classes are also available on HGTC’s main campus in Dublin and in Eastman at the Georgia Aviation Technical College.

The program is more rigid than the traditional GED prep coursework and much more fast-paced, according to LOIC Adult Education Gwen Hentz.

“Fast Track means a fast pace and homework daily,” said Hentz. “If you are not a self-motivated homework person, this is not the program for you.”

Though the program may not fit every adult education student’s needs, Hentz contends those who do find the right fit typically excel because the possesses the right level of motivation.

“Students in Fast Track want to be in school and are here to work, which is not always the case with the traditional classroom,” said Hentz.

HGTC also offers free traditional GED classes in each of its six service counties: Laurens, Dodge, Bleckley, Telfair, Wheeler and Wilkinson counties.

So far this year, 975 students have enrolled in adult education courses within HGTC’s six-county service area. The traditional GED programs run continuously at HGTC campuses each quarter.

Allen contends the Fast Track program is not for every student because it requires an increased level of commitment. Fast Track students can only have one absence during the four-week session, and on their second absence they are moved back into the traditional GED classes.

Fast Track students also take the Work Ready assessment during the course of the session, and they typically do quite well, according to Allen.

The Fast Track session has smaller classes than the typical GED classes, and is limited to 15 students per quarter. Each session focuses specifically on math and writing review. The GED tests students’ knowledge on reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

Sumer quarter begins July 8. For more information on HGTC’s Adult Education program, contact (478) 274-7849 or call the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center at (229) 868-3084.

Pictured: Gwen Hentz and student, Kayla Floyd

HGTC Pre-K Enjoys Field Trips

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Pre-K recently took a field trip to  several businesses.  They bowled at Shamrock Bowling, watched pizza being made at Johnny’s Pizza and enjoyed eating pizza, had ice cream at Scoops, and played on the playground at Southern Pines.

HGTC to host free Community Resource Fair

     Heart of Georgia Technical College, along with the Laurens County Family Connection and Department of Labor, will be hosting a free Community Resource Fair on Thursday, May 21, 9 am – 12 noon.   The fair will be held at the Porter Center, located on the HGTC main campus in Dublin.

     Visitors to the Resource Fair can learn more about local agencies that provide an array of services to meet the needs of families and individuals.

     “Families today are facing increasing challenges and pressures, often with no resources to support them,” commented Cecile Miller, director of career services at Heart of Georgia Technical College.  “We are sponsoring the fair to better connect community members with agencies that can help meet their needs.” 

     Heart of Georgia Tech EMT and Paramedic students will be offering free health screenings (blood pressure and blood sugar checks), and the Department of Labor will be offering resume critiques and occupational outlook information.   The HGTC Work Ready Program will be providing on-site assessments from 8 am – 6 pm and GAP training registration.  Participating vendors, to date, include:

Heart of Georgia Technical College Work Ready, Continuing Education/ Credit and Adult Education

Big Brother/Big Sister

Kinship Care

Babies Can’t Wait/Children with Special Needs

Department of Juvenile Justice

Right from the Start Medicaid

WINGS Shelter

Heart of Georgia United Way

Middle Georgia Fatherhood and Parenting Services (CASA)

Department of Labor

Laurens County Sheriff’s Department

Dublin Police Department

Fairview Park Hospital

Fairview Park Fitness Center

Goodwill Industries

Laurens County Library Talking Books

Georgia Legal Services

Department of Family & Children Services

Heart of Georgia Healthy Start

Girl Scouts of Middle Georgia

Laurens County Extension Agency

Community Service Board of Middle Georgia (Mental Health)

Laurens County Family Connection

Community Health Care Systems

Stepping Stone

Vocational Rehabilitation

Laurens County Health Department

Bass Physical Therapy

Promise of Hope

Children’s Medical Services

Turner job Corps

Habitat for Humanity

For more information on the Community Resource Fair, contact Cecile Miller at 478-274-7643 or cmiller@heartofgatech.edu.

Students at the Heart of Georgia Technical College Little Ocmulgee Instruction Center were treated to pizza and drinks for a "Going Green" assembly.  Dr. Howard Abney, dean, is shown speaking to evening students. 

Paramedic Students at HGTC Practice IV Therapy

Students in Ray Powers’ paramedic class at Heart of Georgia Technical College are shown practicing their IV Therapy skills.   Adam Stewart (Laurens) allows Chuck Kilpatrick (Baldwin) to start fluids on him, and  Sheilia Tripp (Bibb) and Dusty Thomas (Laurens) are doing a demo of how to initiate an INT procedure. Student John Pope supervised the demonstrations, under the direction of HGTC instructor Ray Powers.

TCSG Commissioner Addresses Teachers at HGTC

Ron Jackson, commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia, was the guest speaker at the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon held at Heart of Georgia Technical College in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.   Commissioner Jackson expressed his appreciation to all instructors for their diligence in preparing students for the workforce. 

Fast Track Program offers Four-Week Session to GED

EASTMAN — In an age of instant access to information, a relatively new program at Heart of Georgia Technical College is helping adult education students earn their GEDs on the fast track.

HGTC’s Fast Track GED program, a four-week session, is an enhanced and more rigorous course of study to prep students for the GED. HGTC is one of the first in the state to offer the Fast Track sessions.

The program is geared toward students who adapt to a faster-paced learning environment and are up to the challenge, according to Elaine Pittman, adult education instructor at the Eastman campus.

“I think it benefits especially this younger generation because they have very little patience and they want the education to be fixed and fast,” said Pittman. “Basically, they can be done with the program and have their GED in about eight to ten weeks [upon receiving their test results].”

To enter the program, students must score on a 10th grade level or above on the standard assessment, the TABE or Test of Adult Basic Education, a requirement for all students enrolled in GED programs across the state.

The program is more rigid than the traditional GED prep coursework and much more fast-paced.

“The beauty of the Fast Track is any student who tests in and does what it requires, will pass the GED,” said Dahlia Allen, HGTC’s dean of adult education.

This is the second year Fast Track has been offered through HGTC. Classes meet at the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center in Telfair County every Monday through Thursday morning from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. throughout the course of the month-long session. Fast Track classes are also available on HGTC’s main campus in Dublin and in Eastman at the Georgia Aviation Technical College.

At the Eastman campus, classes are held on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There are typically anywhere from four to eight students in the Eastman Fast Track classes.

While Pittman stressed that the program requires an increased level of commitment, she said those who are self-motivated typically excel in the program.

“I call them survival of the fittest,” said Pittman. “Many start out but do not finish.”

Fast Track students can only have one absence during the four-week session, and on their second absence they are moved back into the traditional GED classes.

“To me this is the elite students,” said Pittman, “so they need to learn that you can’t be late or miss work.”

Fast Track students also take the Work Ready assessment during the course of the session, and they typically do quite well and have their assessment results to demonstrate they are prepared for the workforce upon completion of the program, according to Allen.

The Fast Track session has smaller classes than the typical GED classes, and is limited to 15 students per quarter. Each session focuses specifically on math and writing review. The GED tests students’ knowledge on reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

HGTC also offers free traditional GED classes in each of its six service counties: Laurens, Dodge, Bleckley, Telfair, Wheeler and Wilkinson counties.

So far this year, 975 students have enrolled in adult education courses within HGTC’s six-county service area. The traditional GED programs run continuously at HGTC campuses each quarter.

The next Fast Track session begins is set to begin in May.

“I think it’s exciting and I think it’s worthwhile,” said Pittman. “I think it shows something special about the students.”

Summer quarter begins July 8. For more information on HGTC’s Adult Education program, contact (478) 274-7849 or contact Pittman at (478) 374-6431.

Pictured: Instructor Elaine Pittman and Fast Track student Brittany Wurster.

HGTC Practical Nursing Program holds Capping Ceremony

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Practical Nursing Program held a Capping Ceremony on April 30, 2009.  Those participating in the ceremony were (l-r):  Back Row – Sylvia Rozier (Program Director); Jenny Norris (Johnson County); Latisha Wallace (Laurens County); Michelle Young (Dodge County); Nadia Tucker (Laurens County); Barbie Piper (Dodge County); Dana Williams (Laurens County); Front Row – Bobbie Lowther (Instructor); Angela Balcom (Jeff Davis County); Jessica Osuna (Dodge County); Christy Barton (Bleckley County); Larissa Scott (Laurens County); Teresa Martin (Laurens County); Heather McGowan (Telfair County); Mrs. Janice Rozier, LPN (Guest speaker from Telfair County).

Career Coloring Books delivered to Telfair County Primary School

HGTC Students in SkillsUSA State Competition; 9 to Attend National Competition

Twenty-one students from Heart of Georgia Technical College recently attended the SkillsUSA state competition in Augusta to compete for state recognition and the opportunity to attend and compete at the national championships.   

Those students and their area of competition were:  Quiz Bowl - Stephen Allen, Laurens County; Cricket Ussery, Laurens County; Gene Haun, Dodge County;  and Ken Hayes, Laurens County; Customer Service – Elaine Norsworthy, Laurens County; American Spirit – Jennifer Woodall, Laurens County; and Michelle Moore, Laurens County; Related Technical Math – John Edwards, Laurens County; Criminal Justice – Walter Jones, Laurens County; Precision Machining – Cody Darnell, Laurens County; Computer Repair – Royce Waid, Laurens County; Welding – Wade Wommack, Laurens County; Preschool Teaching Assistant – Rebecca Harris, Laurens County; Diesel – Bradley Haymons, Telfair County; and Anthony Tibbs, Bleckley County; HVAC – Tommie Burns, Dodge County; Welding and Joining – Casey Harper, Laurens County; Health Knowledge Bowl – Justina Kunstbeck, Dodge County;  Travis Griffin, Laurens County;  John Pope, Washington County; and Stephen Thomas, Laurens County.

The following students, who won first place, will be attending the 2009 SkillsUSA National Championships June 22 – 27 in Kansas City, Missouri:  Stephen Allen, Cricket Ussery, Gene Haun, Ken Hayes, Elaine Norsworthy, Jennifer Woodall, Michelle Moore, John Edwards and Cody Darnell.

SkillsUSA is an organization which provides its members with an opportunity to showcase their talents in their chosen program of study.

HGTC Student Publishes Debut Novel

Rebecca Josey is just like any other typical college student in many respects.

The criminal justice major’s days are chock full, as she juggles classes in criminal procedure, psychology, English and math, yet she still finds time to do the atypical — jotting down ideas for her next great novel.

That’s right — her next novel.

Almost like any other typical college student but not quite, Josey’s recent literary debut puts her in a distinctive class all her own at Heart of Georgia Technical College.

But for Josey and her balancing act between author and student, it’s all a matter of finding time to put pen to paper.

“When you’re inspired, you’ve got to write it down before you forget it,” said Josey, who recently published her debut novel, “Solemn’s Battle.”

Released in February by PublishAmerica, “Solemn’s Battle” is available online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and PublishAmerica.

“Solemn’s Battle is the epic story of a teenage girl’s struggle to discover who she really is and what her purpose is in life. Being blessed by the Elementals at a young age, and taught the ways of a soldier since the death of her guardians, Andreas not only deals with the battles within the kingdom, but the battles raging within her, feelings that have been bottled up since the death of those whom she has become close to. Placing a shield over her heart so no one else will get hurt that comes to know her, she finds herself being drawn toward a queen of another land. Fearing that others will soon realize she is not as strong as she pretends to be, she consumes herself in protecting the people of Solemn from the thieves that now threaten their lives,” reads Amazon’s editorial review.

The novel’s main character is Andreas, a teenage girl trying to find her way while sorting through a difficult upbringing and family life. Josey hopes other young people, particularly females, can find something in the character through which they can indentify and relate.

“She’s [Andreas] got to learn how to trust and rely on others,” said Josey of her character.

Josey said she drew on elements from her own struggles with adolescence to develop the character.

“I didn’t really know my purpose back then,” she said of her teen years. “Most teenagers go through a lot of struggles.”

Growing up in Wilkinson County the middle child of a family with six siblings, Josey said she often struggled to relate to her brothers and sisters, which is how she retreated to books and literature.

Her writing interests began back when she was still in high school. She and a group of friends began writing together, and that is actually when she began penning her first novel.

“I enjoyed reading a lot when I was in middle school,” said Josey. “I started finding more and more books that I liked to read.”

She and a close circle of friends began writing together in their free time.

“It was just a fun pastime for us and I’ve kind of just enjoyed writing ever since.”

That’s when the ideas for her first book starting coming together.

“I actually started writing it my senior year of high school.”

She developed an interest in criminal justice, however, by coming to know a friend’s father who worked as a police officer.

“I just saw how he got to help so many people, and I saw the love and passion for it,” she said.

She hopes to one day utilize her criminal justice degree to work professionally with children and young adults.

“I’m hoping one day that I can work along with social services and do investigations and work with kids who are abused,” said Josey.

“I’ve always wanted to do something where I can help people,” she said.

Through her writing, Josey says she’s able to meld her studies in criminal justice with her penchant for literature. She incorporates the criminal justice side of her life into references to the futile system of medieval times, which is prevalent in her writing.

She garners her writing inspiration from writers including crime and suspense author Mary Higgins Clark and fantasy author Tamora Pierce.

Josey, who also writes poetry and music, said the most fascinating and inspiring aspect of writing is “being able to create something new and something no one else has experienced yet.”

“I just hope to see my books in libraries,” said Josey of her ultimate writer’s dream.

And as she prepares to finish up her criminal justice degree in the coming months, she’ll still manage to find time between classes to jot a few paragraphs down on paper.

After all, she’s got a sequel to create.

“At the end of this [“Solemn’s Battle”], I leave you hanging, so you know there’s going to be a part two.”

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

DUBLIN—Three Heart of Georgia Technical College students received the Fred A. Smith Jr. Scholarships for spring quarter.

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 Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center located in Helena.

Students receiving the scholarships are Pamela R. Wooten of Alamo,  Miesha Greene of Rhine, and Barbara Grant of Glenwood.

Scholarships create opportunities to change lives. Those interested in establishing a scholarship or donating to an existing scholarship, please contact Jenny Shuman (478) 296-6117 or jshuman@heartofgatech.edu.   The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

HGTC Students Place in PBL State Competition

Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) students at Heart of Georgia Technical College attended and placed in the state competition which was recently held in Atlanta. The students competed against other students from technical colleges and universities from throughout the state of Georgia.

The following students represented HGTC:  Jeff Fisher (Dublin) competed in Business Law (1st place) and Marketing Concepts (1st place); Jennifer Horton (Dublin) competed in Business Communications and Word Processing; Tonya Parish (Eastman), competed in Accounting Principles and Business Law; Patricia Thomas (Dublin) competed in Word Processing and Accounting Principles, and Gloria Wells (Dublin) competed in Business Communications (4th place) and Management Concepts (2nd place).    

Gloria Wells and Jeff Fisher will advance to PBL National Competition which will be held in Anaheim, California in June 2009.

Dr. Randall Peters, HGTC president, commented, “These students exemplify the caliber of education and training that is on-going at Heart of Georgia Technical College.  I, as well as the entire faculty and staff, congratulate them on their success.”

PBL is a national organization for business technology and information technology students. PBL provides opportunities to develop vocational competencies for business occupations. PBL also promotes a sense of civic and personal responsibility. District, state, and national competitions are open to students in this organization. Phi Beta Lambda members are also involved in various community and charitable endeavors as well.

Pictured (standing l-r):  Tonya Parish, Jeff Fisher, Jr., Gloria Wells; (seated l-r) Patricia Thomas and Jennifer Horton.

Heart of Georgia Technical College delivered Career Coloring Books to the 2nd grade classes at Trinity Christian School.  Pictured are the students and their teachers,  Mrs. Maffett and Ms. Coleman.

HGTC Foundation’s “Live Green, Give Green” Employee Fund Drive Successful

The Heart of Georgia Technical College has completed its 2009 Employee Fund Drive to benefit the HGTC Foundation.  “Live Green, Give Green” was the theme this year for the very successful drive.

“The goal each year is participation and the HGTC family did not disappoint again this year.  Eighty-seven percent of the employees “Gave Green” for a total of $18,741 in donations and pledges,” said Jenny Shuman, director of institutional development and marketing.  

The “Live Green, Give Green” campaign kicked off in March at a staff meeting where employees heard testimonials from three students who had been helped by the Foundation.   Twelve volunteer team leaders then took the lead in the fund drive.

“The students were an inspiration,” said Shuman.  “And, the team leaders did an outstanding job of encouraging their team members to “Give Green.”

Again this year, President Randall Peters set a challenge to employees to join the 1% Club.  Peters said, “I give one percent of my salary to the Foundation.  I encourage other employees to also give a thoughtful and proportional gift.”  Heart of Georgia Tech had 17 employees who stepped up and joined the 1% club this year.

 “Our employees always have a great giving spirit.  They recognize the benefit of the Foundation’s work and know how much our students and our College benefit in so many ways,” commented Peters.  “They believe in the College and see how we change lives.” 

The mission of the Foundation is to support and enhance the College by encouraging private giving.  For more information on the HGTC Foundation, contact Jenny Shuman at 478-296-6117, jshuman@heartofgatech.edu or visit the HGTC Foundation’s website at www.heartofgatech.edu.

Pictured:  “Green Team” members at faculty meeting.

Hemstreet receives HGTC Foundation Scholarship             

    The Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) Foundation awarded the Chester Arthur Ryals, Jr./Merchants & Citizens Bank Scholarship to Lacey Hemstreet of McRae at the Telfair County High School Honor’s Night on April 28. The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded in four $250 stipends.        

    The scholarship is given in memory of Chester Ryals, a life-long resident of Telfair County. He was instrumental in the original 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) construction projects of the lodge at the Little Ocmulgee State Park, as well as the bridge over the Ocmulgee River going in to Abbeville. He is remembered most for his commitment to improving the quality of life for all Telfair County citizens by serving as the Mayor of McRae for 12 years during the 1970s and 1980s.

    Lacey plans to enroll at the Heart of Georgia Technical College Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center summer quarter.

    Pictured are Lacey Hemstreet and Dr. Howard Abney, dean of the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center in Helena.