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Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner to be keynote speaker at HGTC fall graduation

              Michael Thurmond, commissioner, Georgia Department of Labor, is slated to be the keynote speaker at the Heart of Georgia Technical College graduation on Thursday, October 9, 2008.

              Thurmond has distinguished himself as an attorney, author, lecturer and public servant. 

              In 1986, he became the first African-American elected to the Georgia General Assembly from Clarke County since Reconstruction.  While serving in the General Assembly, Thurmond authored major legislation that has provided more than $200 million in tax relief to Georgia’s senior citizens and working families.

              Following his tenure in the legislature, Thurmond was called upon to direct Georgia’s historic transition from welfare to work.  He created the innovative Workfirst program, which has helped over 90,000 welfare-dependent Georgia families move into the workforce.

              In 1997, Thurmond became a distinguished lecturer at the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, and the following year, he was elected Georgia Labor Commissioner. 

              Thurmond graduated with honors from Paine College with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religion and later earned a juris doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law.  He also completed the Political Executives program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

The ceremony, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Heart of Georgia Tech DuBose Porter Business and Industry Center, is free and open to the public.

Veteran's attend training at HGTC

The Veteran’s Administration Medical Center recently contracted with the Economic Development Department of Heart of Georgia Technical College to provide forklift training to veterans. The veterans are also in the process of earning the Work Ready Certificate through the Work Ready Initiative.  These individuals have now achieved new skills to make them employable.  Pictured:  Veterans and instructor, Wallace Lord.

Essay Contest at HGTC/ Wilkinson County Adult Education Center

     In participation with the Literacy Awareness Competition with the Technical College System of Georgia Office of Adult Education Service Delivery Area (SDA) and in observance of Literacy Awareness Week in our Laurens SDA, the students from the Heart of Georgia Technical College Wilkinson County Adult Education Center participated in an essay competition. Students were assigned to write a 5-paragraph essay on the book that had the most impact on their lives and/or changed their lives.  The criteria used for judging was the same as criteria used for judging the essay portion of the Language Arts/ Writing portion of the GED test.  The books chosen by students to reflect upon included a wide spectrum. For example, The Bible was a popular choice, as well as The Notebook, the drama/romance novel written by Nicholas Sparks.   Who Moved My Cheese, a self- help book about adapting to change by Spencer Johnson, M.D.  and Lost Causes were among some of the books chosen for essay.  The essays were judged by instructors from other Adult Education Centers from the Laurens Service Delivery Area. 

     The results of the judges were as follows:

• Katie Stanley   1st Place                                          
• Miranda Mosley   2nd place
• Amanda Borders  3rd place

     Criteria Used for judging the essay were as follows:

• Response to the Prompt
• Organization
• Development and Details
• Conventions of EAE (Edited American English)
• Word Choice

     Katie Stanley, 1st place winner, was presented a canvas book bag donated by the Georgia Municipal Association, which will come in handy as Katie enters her secondary education journey to receive her degree in cosmetology.

     According to Angie Jones, Wilkinson County Adult Ed Instructor, “Writing is one of the most difficult areas to teach in Adult Education.  To be a good writer, it is ideal if one goes the traditional route by beginning their journey through writing with the creative writing at “circle time” in kindergarten in which the teacher writes on chart paper as the students brainstorm on a topic.  Writing skills are developed on an on-going basis and are progressive before peaking. Therefore, this is a process that covers the entire school experience of a student”.    

“A good writer needs background and a strong foundation and students must work very hard to learn to write in the period of time they are in GED classes, but it can be done and is done in our GED classes. Often times, it takes some “corrective writing” strategies- and starting from scratch in using simple techniques.  I use many different analogies when teaching  a student to be successful with the essay portion  of the GED and  these analogies break it down to “do-able” and we all eventually are able to conquer that “essay phobia”.  That is usually the loudest cheer when the student gets that report of passing the LA/Writing portion of the GED, said Jones.

     “This assignment provided students an opportunity for competition that motivated them to really peak in their writing.  This assignment required students to reflect on their positive qualities and to define inspiration and how that is a determining factor in life’s successes and means of overcoming life’s obstacles,” Jones added.

     Pictured left to right: Katie Stanley, 1st Place; Miranda Mosley, 2nd Place; Amanda Borders, 3rd Place

The Book That Changed My Life

By Katie Stanley

   The  book  that  has  changed  my  life  is  the  Bible. The Bible is an awesome book. It teaches us how to live by faith and how the world was created. Also, how we should honor our father and mother.

The Bible teaches us to live by faith and not by sight. Living by faith means no matter what kind of struggles or worries we have we should have faith in God. Even when we cannot see God, we see Him through the things he has created in this world. That to me is living by faith.

In Genesis, it tells us how the earth was created. In addition, the Bible tells us that it took 6 days to create the world, but in God’s time it actually took thousands of years. People have a hard time believing that one man created everything.

    The most important thing this book has had an effect on my life is how to honor our father and mother. One of the Ten Commandments is “Honor your father and mother.” To honor your parents you must treat them with respect and do as you’re told when you are told. In doing this, you will live a long life on this earth.

    Living by faith, how the world was created and honoring our parents is why the Bible is the book that changed my life. I believe anyone who reads this book, their life will change as well. It sure has changed mine and the way I look at life now.

Mayor Bradfield endorses International Literacy Day 

Mayor June Bradfield (McRae) is shown endorsing a proclamation in honor of International Literacy Day.  International Literacy Day is September 8.  In honor of this occasion, the Heart of Georgia Technical College Office of Adult Education will be hosting various events, throughout the HGTC service area, from now until October 1, 2008.

Now in its 37th year, International Literacy Day is a time for communities to recognize the importance of literacy and the contributions of those who support literacy education.

Pictured :  Mayor June Bradfield and Gwen Hentz, HGTC adult education instructor at Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center

Bricks are going up

      The Heart of Georgia Technical College Alumni Association partnered with the HGTC Foundation for the “Build a Future, Buy a Brick” campaign.  Commemorative bricks will accentuate the lobby and staircase of Louie Livingston Hall, which opened September 18, 2008 on the Dublin campus.

Workers have installed the first set of bricks. “We are excited about the opportunity for supporters of the college to be able to recognize special people with a brick,” said Laurie Wicker, director of development. “We have bricks ‘in memory of’ and ‘in honor of’ and some that just have a business name.”

      There is plenty of room for additional bricks. Bricks are $100 for four-by-eight inch brick pavers and include up to three lines of engraved text. Proceeds from the brick project support a Heart of Georgia Tech Alumni Scholarship, the Mary Alice Watson Scholarship, and provide resources for college-wide projects.

      Bricks may be ordered on-line by visiting the Heart of Georgia Technical College website at www.heartofgatech.edu and selecting the “DONATE” link. For more information or a brick order form, call (478) 274-7627.

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Economic Development Division provided Scanner Specific Training to the City of Dublin vehicle repair staff.  This instruction updated and gave insight into trouble shooting and diagnosis of engine problems, included input and output ECM’s training, data stream interpretation, and scanner operations.  Pictured left to right:  Brett Colston, HGTC automotive instructor; Don Matecun; Lee Hutcheson; Gerald Thigpen; Joe Williams; and Thomas Sewell.

Coke and Candy Bar Day

The Student Government Association at Heart of Georgia Technical College hosted “Coke and Candy Bar Day” for students and staff.  Pictured is HGTC student Stephanie Sailem checking out the sweets.

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Student Government Association (SGA) recently held a raffle for two gas cards.  The $50.00 cards were won by Joyce Davis, general studies instructor and HGTC student Annette Nails.  Pictured:  Joyce Davis, with Shelanda Cray and Stephen Allen (SGA members) and Annette Nails.

Technical and Industrial at HGTC meets workforce needs

             The Technical and Industrial academic department at Heart of Georgia Technical College is poised to meet current and future workforce needs through pertinent, quality education. Offering two associate degree and ten diploma programs, along with technical certificates of credit, the department currently records a near 100% placement rate in the field.

              Students of the T & I program include high school students who attend classes through Dual Enrollment with their school and HGTC, displaced workers seeking skills to begin a new career, high school graduates and students of all ages. The overall program has maintained a 95-100% placement rate among graduates. Almost all programs offer day and evening classes and students are allowed to move at their own pace. Instructors are eager to help students who work irregular hours to stay on top of their coursework, enabling many workers to earn an education while working full-time. All programs include education in Work Ethics, helping to prepare students for the ethics required by employers.

The Electronics Technology program offers one of the two associate degree courses. Electronics Technology offers technical knowledge and practical experience to students through hands on experience that links scientific theory with experience. Electronics is an essential part of everyday life, ensuring the needs for graduates in the future. Coursework includes Electronics, Math, Computer Technology and Communications, and more. Students can also earn a diploma and/or technical certificates of credit in the Electronic programs. The two year program also offers cooperative education programs through Warner Robins Air Force Base. Often those involved with cooperative programs are hired by the employer.

            Machine Tool Technology offers the second associate degree. Machinists are involved in every manufacturing process. Because of this, machinists are in high demand, with excellent employment opportunities. The program prepares students for a variety of occupations by teaching them to shape metal parts on machines and to use computer numerical controlled machines. Computers are an integral part of the industry, enabling machinists to be more productive and precise.   Diplomas and technical certificates are available for some programs within the Machine Tool Technology department. Students may also qualify for cooperative education programs and the program boasts 100% placement.

              Air Conditioning Technology offers a diploma program and several certificates of credit. The diploma program is a five quarter program. Coursework includes Refrigeration System Components, Heat Pumps and Related Systems, Gas Heating Systems, Electric Motors and Components and more. The program prepares students for positions with schools, air conditioning companies, the maintenance industry and others. The HGTC program recently competed in SkillsUSA, a competition on which subject knowledge is tested, and placed second in the nation. Graduates of the program are sought after by a number of local businesses because of the versatility of their skills and education.

              Automotive Technology and Automotive Fundamentals are two diploma programs that also offer several technical certificates of credit. Changing technology demands that those who work on automobiles stay current in their skills and knowledge. Automotive service technicians and mechanics must continually educate themselves as vehicle components and systems become increasingly sophisticated. HGTC offers diploma programs in as little as four quarters. Course work includes Electronics and Electrical Systems, Automotive Brake Systems, Fuel, Ignition and Emissions Systems, Transmission and Electronic Engine Control Systems, Climate Control Systems, and more. Students learn the latest technology for automobiles, equipping them for a career in automotive maintenance and repair.

           Diesel Equipment Technology offers two programs, one obtainable in as little as three quarters for an entry level position and a six quarter program for the full diploma. Coursework emphasizes a combination of diesel equipment theory and the practical application necessary for successful employment in a number of fields utilizing diesel technology. Classes include Basic Engine Theory, Powertrain Theory and Diagnostics, Engine Tune-Up and Performance, Suspensions, Electronics, and much more. Graduates are qualified to work in  small independent to full size service centers. The demand for graduates is strong. The program also offers CDL testing for local business and industry employees.

Welding and Joining Technology offers a diploma program along with technical certificates of credit. A variety of jobs are available with graduates finding positions from assembly line and construction to specialized pipe welding. The high demand for welders continues to make this program a popular one. Coursework includes Welding Technology, Oxyfuel Cutting, Blueprint Reading, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding and more. The program offers hands-on practical experience in addition to essential knowledge to prepare graduates for a career in the industry.

            Industrial Systems Technology prepares graduates to perform maintenance on industrial and manufacturing equipment. Coursework includes Fundamentals of Motor Control, Industrial Mechanics, Industrial Instrumentation, and more. Graduates find careers as skilled technicians in industrial maintenance where job security is high. The program also provides opportunities to retrain or upgrade present knowledge and skill. To graduate, diploma-seeking students must earn a minimum of 90 quarter credit hours. The program generally takes six (6) quarters to complete. Placement rate for graduates of the Industrial Systems program is 100%.

           Drafting Technology graduates are qualified for careers as AutoCAD Operators, Designers, Drafters, Contract Drafter/Designers and Consultants in a variety of workplaces including those requiring architecture and mechanical drafting such as Engineering and Architectural firms, High Tech Industries, Utility Companies and others. AutoCad is a computerized drafting program used by most companies requiring drafting services. Also included in the coursework are Kitchen and Bath Design programs, and 2D and 3D design programs. Outlook for graduates of the program remains excellent.

              The Technical and Industrial program at HGTC offers opportunities for education for many careers. More information may be obtained at www.heartofgatech.edu.

             Pictured:  Jon Walraven, diesel instructor and Walter Tyler, welding instructor, instructing students.

In celebration of International Literacy Day, Heart of Georgia Technical College adult education students and pre-k students decorated grocery sacks for Kroger.  Store clerks bagged groceries in the bags on September 8.  Shown is store manager, Bert Ratliff admiring one of the bags. 

Susan Moore, with the Laurens County Extension Agency, recently presented a program to Heart of Georgia Technical College students.  The topic, “Dine on a Dime,” was very informative and interesting.

Mission work makes LPN education a global experience

              Richard Yoder is using his nursing skills to make a difference in Carrizal, a village of Erandique, Lempira, Honduras. His choice to attend Heart of Georgia Technical College and become a Licensed Practical Nurse came from his desire to help others. He currently serves through Abundant Life Clinic, where he and one other LPN see forty patients four days a week, “On any given day we will see patients with anything from colds, hypertension, or machete cuts, to an occasional emergency baby delivery,” says Yoder.

              Yoder’s experience in mission work has made him aware of the need for a global mindset in healthcare, “I believe that in the medical field a global mindset is essential. Even if a medical professional only works in the United States he will sooner or later have to work with patients from other countries and cultures. To give optimum care to the patient he or she will have to have a basic understanding of the patient’s culture. One principle that has made the United States great is that it has used its blessings to in turn bless other people. With these blessings comes the responsibility to be a blessing to those who are suffering from lack of healthcare.” He feels the United States benefits along with the other countries we help, “In a time when the opinion of other countries is increasingly negative towards the United States, we can help change that through our actions of goodwill to people in other countries. Who benefits in the end? Everyone.”

              While Yoder had planned to continue his education to earn a Registered Nurse license, his responsibilities have increased, leaving him little time to work on his education, “The doctor in Carrizal returned to the United States in June and the administrative work has fallen on me by default. Until we have more help, I won’t have time to study.”

              The skills learned at HGTC have served Yoder well, “The nursing skills that I learned while studying at HGTC have been invaluable to the work I am doing today. Obviously, as a nurse I was not trained to give the primary diagnosis and prescribe medications, but what I was taught at HGTC gave me an excellent knowledge base to apply to hands-on experiences and to continue studying on my own.”

              As for future plans, Yoder is uncertain, “I committed to help in the clinic here for one year; that year is up in February. Since the doctor that was here had to return to the US last June, there are only two nurses here. There is no way that I can leave until someone else can come to take my place. My goal is still to earn my RN licensure within five (now four) years; whether I will do that through online studies or return to Dublin I don’t know at this point.”

Retired CNA found fulfillment in helping others

            Javene Thomas always wanted to work in a position where she could help others. She moved to Eastman and after working in several factories, she found herself out of a job when her employer closed down.

            Having always wanted to be a nurse, Thomas took the brave step of enrolling in Heart of Georgia Technical College at age 56. She graduated from the Certified Nurse Assistant (now Patient Care Assisting) in 1992. “I was both nervous and excited to start school. But I loved the classes and especially my instructor, Ms. Sylvia Rozier. I love Ms. Sylvia for the heart she has for nursing and for the people. I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher. I liked the closeness we all had. You felt a love for one another and we were all there for the same purpose.”

            Thomas took classes at night and secured a position with Three Rivers Home Health before graduation, “I was now doing something I loved, and I was helping someone. I enjoyed the hands on work with the patients. It was very rewarding work.”

            Thomas was successful in her course work and career, “I would strongly encourage anyone who is thinking about college to go. It changed my life.”

            Thomas retired from Three Rivers in 2001 at the age of 65. She continues to spend her time helping others. She and her husband of 36 years, Everett, are active members of Zebulon Baptist Church in Eastman. Thomas enjoys being part of a very close Sunday School class and helps others by visiting and calling on the sick.

            Thomas has three sons, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She enjoys reading and learning the computer when she is not helping others. Thomas is quick to note that she hasn’t accomplished all this on her own, “I am thankful for the education I received at HGTC, my husband Everett, and for my instructor, Ms. Rozier. I give credit to the Lord. I didn’t do this all by myself, but the Lord was with me all along. I had the chance to do something I wanted to do all my life and I am so glad I did it.”

VAMC/HGTC Co-op Benefits Hospital and Students

            An alliance between the Carl Vinson Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Heart of Georgia Technical College has proven to be successful for both parties. The partnership allows qualified students to work at the VA on a temporary, full-time basis. Co-op students are paid for their time and receive leave benefits just as permanent employees while earning experience in their field.

The selected students are pursuing a Medical Office Specialist degree and must meet the qualifications for classes completed and grades earned. The applicants are then interviewed by personnel from the hospital and selected for the program. The program consists of two sessions designed to develop an understanding of health information management.

            The HGTC students selected for the Fall 2008 through Winter 2009 Co-op Program are Jessica Bowen (Laurens), Nikki Coney (Laurens), Iva Herrington (Johnson), Shawanda White (Laurens), Amy Williams (Laurens), and Tonika Woods (Telfair).

Also, the following students were recently converted from co-op student status to career-conditional (permanent full-time) status at the VA:  Tamara Jackson, Shawanna Dardy, Erica Jones, Joyce Webb, and Margaret McCloud.  This is the largest number of co-op hires since beginning of the co-op agreement between the VAMC and HGTC.

Pictured (l-r):  Nikki Coney, Tonika Woods, Jessica Bowen, Iva Herrington, Amy Williams, and Shawanda White.           

Mayor Best endorses International Literacy Day

     Mayor Phil Best is shown endorsing a proclamation in honor of International Literacy Day.  International Literacy Day is September 8.  In honor of this occasion, the Heart of Georgia Technical College Office of Adult Education will be hosting various events, throughout the HGTC service area, from now until October 1, 2008.

     Now in its 37th year, International Literacy Day is a time for communities to recognize the importance of literacy and the contributions of those who support literacy education.

    Pictured :  Mayor Phil Best;  Dahlia Allen, HGTC dean of adult education;   Corshea Thomas, HGTC adult education instructor; and Patsy Jones, HGTC adult education instructor.

First graduate of Southside GED program gets more than education

              Brandon Carter had a hard time growing up. He lost his mother in 2001 and never knew his father. He became discouraged after being expelled from high school in his senior year preventing him from graduating. He left Dublin and returned twice where he continued to get into trouble. He often found himself “in the streets.”

              Carter’s life wasn’t always this way. A bright young man, he was in the Switch program for honor students in elementary school. He made good grades and was an excellent student. His mother’s death hit him hard. Carter felt like he was “on his own” except for his grandmother and older brother, “They were more like parents to me. Without them, I don’t know where I would be,” says Carter.

              A conversation Carter overheard at the Oconee Cultural Center gym turned his life around. He heard talk of Heart of Georgia Technical College’s GED program to be offered at the gym. Carter enrolled and later became the first graduate of the program. He also secured a position with YKK where he works as a Metal Handler.

              Jean Wolfe, GED instructor at the Center, sees a great future for the facility that reopened in 2007. Wolfe teaches Reading, Language, Writing, and Math. The Center also offers independent study in Science and Social studies.

              According to Wolfe the Center serves a variety of students, “Ages range from 17 to 68; male and female; some unable to read and others left school their senior year when ready to graduate. Some only went through 6th grade and it has been many years since being in school and they are so scared and yet they come. Many ride bikes or walk to class; several have jobs but many do not. We have about 30 students registered each quarter.  This is the 2nd quarter we have had class and the hours are 4 pm to 6 pm.  We generally have about 15 students in class on a given day. Of course this varies and they are allowed to come and go during class because of their work or personal schedules.”

            Now a graduate of the program, Carter is enrolled at HGTC in the Machine Tool program and is currently helping his best friend earn his GED at the Center. Carter is vocal about the encouragement he received while earning his GED, “The closer I got to reaching my goal, the more focused I became. Mrs. Jean is a special lady. She saw that I could do it and she cared about my success. She would call me if I missed class and help me get back on track. I couldn’t have done it without her sticking with me.”

           Carter’s grandmother is proud of his accomplishments and that he graduated from the same school she did 50 years ago. They both feel a sense of pride for him having graduated and being a part of her history and the history of his own neighborhood.

            Wolfe looks forward to what the future holds for Carter and the other students at the Center, “It is an honor and a privilege for me to be part of the lives of the students on Southside. I know that God has given me a special place there.”

Students, faculty, and staff at the Heart of Georgia Technical College Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center commemorated Patriots Day with a moment of silence, the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem, lead by Gwen Hentz, at a noon meeting on the front lawn.  Dr. Abney briefly discussed the events of September 11, 2001 and asked all to remember the heroic act of the passengers on Flight 93 and the 3,000 who perished in the terrorists’ attacks.

The Cochran-Bleckley County Community Board/Collaborative met August 28 at the Peyton Williams Center.  Heart of Georgia Technical College Adult Education hosted the meeting as an activity leading up to International Literacy Day on Sept. 8. Several students from the center gave brief statements to the group about what literacy has meant to them.