Monica McKenzie has been chosen to represent Wiregrass Georgia Technical College as the 2018 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 9 at a reception sponsored by the Valdosta Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce and Smith Drug Company. This was the 21st 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.
Lots of miles and roads lead Monica to Georgia and to the Adult Education program at Wiregrass Tech. She was born in Romania and finished high school there, however, once she tried to obtain her Romania High School Diploma and translating documents she ran into roadblocks after road blocks that went over for over 11 years. She knew she wanted to continue her education and career goal of being a dental hygienist so she researched Wiregrass’ Adult Education program and enrolled in the free GED classes. Taking night classes, she found the process smooth and has completed the Social Studies, Science and Language Arts portion of the GED test and will be taking the Math section soon. Monica shared that even her life was wonderful, she felt something was missing in her life. She wants to be able to tell her daughter and sons that it is never too late; you can do anything you set your mind to.
Monica will attend the Georgia EAGLE Leadership Institute March 12-14, 2018 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 April Core (Lowndes County) nominated by Adann-Kennn Alexxandar, Breanna Davis (Ben Hill County) nominated by Krista Spires, Theda Lewis (Irwin County) nominated by Lethia Kittrell, and Monica McKenzie (Lowndes County) nominated by Adann-Kennn Alexxandar. John Timmons, General Manager of Smith Drug Company presented Monica with the award and Breanna Davis as the runner-up.