Albany Tech Adult Education program hosts annual EAGLE Competition

ALBANY – One of three Albany Technical College students will be selected to attend the state Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Leadership Institute and compete for the state EAGLE Delegate of the Year title.

The Albany Tech students selected to compete for the honor are Jessica Castellano and Patrick Deariso of Dougherty County and Jimmy Gray of Terrell County. All three contestants delivered compelling speeches, essays, and took part in interviews that showcased their perspectives and aspirations in an attempt to capture the attention of judges Margaret Halbrook of the University of Georgia’s Terrell County Extension program; Kenneth Sumpter, who is on the Clay County Albany Technical College Board; and Rukiyah Muwwakkil with the Athens Community Council on Aging. 

The Technical College System of Georgia, through its Office of Adult Education, sponsors the annual Dinah Culbreath Wayne Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education Leadership Institute. The student recognition program is designed to create greater awareness of educational opportunities available in communities across the state and foster greater involvement in life-long learning pursuits. The Leadership Institute recognizes and honors those students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes and programs.

Once selected at the local level, the EAGLE delegate will attend the state Leadership Institute. During the annual EAGLE Leadership Institute, the EAGLE winners chosen from the regional selection process will compete at the state level for the EAGLE Delegate of the Year title.

In addition to judging the students’ application materials, judges also engaged with the competitors, discussing various avenues available to help them achieve their dreams and ambitions.

Special Photo: Albany Tech