William Nichols, of Gordon County, winner of the Georgia Northwestern Technical College EAGLE Award for 2018, was chosen as one of eight finalists for the State EAGLE Award by the Technical College System of Georgia.
The 2018 Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Leadership Institute takes place March 12-14 in Atlanta. The statewide winner will be announced at the EAGLE Conference Awards Luncheon at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel and Convention Center on Wednesday, March 14.
The Leadership Institute recognizes and honors those students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes and programs.
“I was able to get a GED diploma through Adult Education, even with Autism,” said Mr.
Nichols. “I want to encourage others with disabilities to reach for the stars.”
Mr. Nichols, a resident of Calhoun, was nominated for the EAGLE award by Melissa Blevins, lead teacher and site manager for Adult Education in Gordon County.
“William will go far in life because he knows what he wants and he will do what needs to be done to accomplish his goals,” said Ms. Blevins. “He has shown others that despite a disability you can accomplish anything.”
Mr. Nichols, a member of the National Adult Education Honor Society, said that the Adult Education program at GNTC has given him the tools he needs to be successful.
“My career goal is computer repair or computer animation and to go as far as I can” said Mr. Nichols. “So I can support myself and have my own home and family.”
"The EAGLE Leadership Institute is the first statewide program in the nation that recognizes and rewards excellence among students enrolled in adult education programs. This student recognition program is designed to create greater awareness of educational opportunities that are available in local communities across the state and to foster greater involvement in lifelong learning pursuits," officials said.
The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) through its Office of Adult Education sponsors the annual EAGLE Leadership Institute.