Press Releases
From the Public Relations Office
Howard Jordan, Director of Advancement & Public Relations
Roxane Gay, Executive Assistant to the President

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVES

FITZGERALD, Ga. — East Central Technical College held its final graduation at the Charles Harris Learning Center on Friday, June 18. One hundred one degrees and diplomas were conferred upon the graduates.

Karla Heath-Sands gave the commencement address for the final graduating class. Sands anchors the Newscenter 10 early news and co-hosts Today in Georgia. She also hosts the WALB public affairs program, Dialogue. Sands spoke to the graduating class about changes. She reminisced about transitions in her life and related her stories to the lives of the graduates.

“Although this was the last graduation held as East Central Technical College,” said Lisa Tomberlin, interim president, “we are looking forward to the transition with Valdosta Tech to become Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. The future of our students will be just as important after the merger as it has been for the last 40 years.”

East Central Tech will merge with Valdosta Tech on July 1 to become Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. The new college will serve 11 counties in south central Georgia with four campuses, two extended campuses, and 11 adult education service centers. For more information about WGTC, visit www.wiregrass.edu.   

DOUGLAS, Ga.—Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is now offering a nail technician program on the Coffee County Campus.

The nail technician technical certificate of credit prepares students in all aspect of nail technology as well as preparation for the state board licensure exam. Cosmetologists and estheticians already in field would benefit from offering additional nail services in established salons and spas.

Classes are offered in the evening from 5:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. during the summer quarter. The program can be completed in three quarters.

The HOPE Grant pays tuition, fees, and provides a book allowance for any eligible person. Applicants may also apply for other financial aid such as the Pell grant. Summer quarter begins July 13. The WGTC admissions office is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. until noon.

For more information about the nail technician program at WGTC, please contact the admissions office at the Coffee County Campus at (912) 389-4303 or April Lott at (229) 468-2232.   

FITZGERALD, Ga.—Howard Jordan, executive director of advancement and public relations at East Central Technical College, was announced as the Employee of the Year at the final faculty meeting held on the Ben Hill – Irwin campus recently.

Jordan was commended by Interim President Lisa Tomberlin for 25 years of service and dedication to ECTC, the ECTC Foundation, and the community. Jordan was selected for the award by his fellow faculty and staff members. He received an acrylic statue, a parking space for a year, and a monetary gift.

“Howard was instrumental in helping Dr. Ed Greene establish and create the successful foundation that East Central Tech has today,” said Tomberlin. “He has been the constant connection to community leaders and his involvement in the foundation has helped raise over a million dollars, something not normally heard of in small towns.”

Jordan is also widely known for his loveable antics. “He has the gift of gab and has provided the faculty and staff of East Central Tech with countless hours of laughter using his special brand of humor,” said Tomberlin. “I don’t know of anyone that talks to Howard and doesn’t laugh out loud at least once during their conversation. He is truly a one-of-a-kind.”   

PEARSON, Ga.—Students at East Central Technical College’s Pearson Adult Learning Center completed spring quarter classes on June 17. The adult basic education and General Educational Development (GED®) preparation students enjoyed an end of quarter celebration. Students received a certificate for completing the quarter successfully and were recognized for their accomplishments.

Summer quarter classes will begin July 13. Anyone interested in attending classes should contact Brianna Gillis, adult education instructor, at the center located at 201 North Pearson Street, or call (912) 422-7004. Day classes will be held Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am until noon and night classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 pm until 8:30 pm.   

FITZGERALD, Ga.—East Central Technical College recently held its final annual end of the year breakfast and faculty meeting on the Ben Hill – Irwin campus. A merger update was given by Dr. Ray Perren, president of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, and Faithful Service Awards were presented.

Employees were given a preview of the new Wiregrass Georgia Technical College website and promotional video. The new website will become active in July when the merger with Valdosta Technical College is complete.

Lisa Tomberlin, ECTC interim president, presented Faithful Service Awards to Deanna Edwards and Glenda Giddens for five years of service to the college. Sherry Veal and Gary Swieczkowski both received Faithful Service Awards for ten years of service to the college.

“These employees are to be commended for their faithful service to the college,” said Tomberlin. “Each one brings a unique value to our college and they are to be congratulated for their dedicated service.”   

Holding its final meeting as the East Central Technical College School Board, the above members paused for a moment with the college’s Leadership Team. The members will now join the Valdosta Board members to become the board for Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. Interim President Lisa Tomberlin had high praise for the members saying, “I appreciate the hard work each of you has done for our college and personally for helping to make my job such a pleasure.” Also attending the meeting was the first director of the school, Mr. Lewis Brinson. Mr. Brinson spoke briefly saying he had always loved the school and was proud of how it continues to change lives for the citizens of this area. Board Member James Lee of Wilcox county was unavailable for the picture. Pictured Front Row (L-R) Lisa Tomberlin, Sylvia Lockett, Roxane Gay, Terrell Jacobs, Shirley Brooks, Wyndi Damato and Connie Coffey. Second Row (L-R): Howard Jordan, Randy Crenshaw, Mike Harden, Brandy Wilkes, Hal Wiley, Jim Schwindle, Clifford Pope and Lon Gillis.  

FITZGERALD, Ga.—A graduation ceremony for the adult education program at East Central Technical College was held on Friday, June 4, in the Charles Harris Learning Center on the Ben Hill – Irwin campus.

More than 50 students received their General Education Development (GED®) diploma during the final adult education graduation ceremony for ECTC.

Lisa Eason, assistant commissioner of administration for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), delivered the commencement address. Once a high school dropout, Eason earned her GED diploma at age 26 and continued her education to earn her BBA in Accounting from the University of West Georgia. Eason has worked for TCSG since 1999 in various positions before being named to her current position in 2008, when she also received the 2008 Georgia GED Outstanding Achievement Award for her accomplishments in education and her career.

“It is always rewarding to witness the students reap the benefits of their hard labor, dedication, and sacrifices at the GED commencement ceremony,” said Sylvia Lockett, director of adult education. “This was the largest number of graduate participants ever. Students were awarded a GED diploma for passing all five parts of the GED test.”

Douglas, Georgia – East Central Technical College will offer an Electrical continuing education course which will allow electrical professional to earn either four or ten continuing education credits and gain the 10 hour OSHA certification at the same time.

Part I will be held Tuesday, June15 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. This course will address workplace safety procedures needed by electrical professionals. Those completing Part I will earn four CE credits and have four of the ten hours of the OSHA certification completed. The fee for Part I is $60.

For those desiring more CE credits and to complete the requirements of the OSHA 10 Hour certification, Part II will be offered in August 2010. A Participant must complete Part I before taking Part II to get the OSHA certification.

For more information, or to register, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074 or Lidell Greenway at (229) 468-2240.   

A graduation ceremony for the adult education program at East Central Technical College is planned for 10 a.m. on Friday, June 4, in the Charles Harris Learning Center on the Ben Hill – Irwin campus.

More than 50 students are expected to receive their General Education Development (GED®) diploma during the final adult education graduation ceremony for ECTC.

Lisa Eason, assistant commissioner of administration for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), will deliver the commencement address. Once a high school dropout, Eason earned her GED diploma at age 26 and continued her education to earn her BBA in Accounting from the University of West Georgia. Eason has worked for TCSG since 1999 in various positions before being named to her current position in 2008, when she also received the 2008 Georgia GED Outstanding Achievement Award for her accomplishments in education and her career.

For more information about the upcoming graduation ceremony, please call (229) 423.8200.   

Pam Taibi’s EMT class was honored recently for raising the most money for Relay for Life of Coffee County of any program at East Central Technical College. Their class received a certificate of participation and celebrated with a pizza party. The Coffee County Relay for Life event was held April 16 - 17 at the Coffee Pre-K Academy track. The EMT class raised $270.00.   

East Central Technical College will be holding a CPR for Community and Workplace class on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 and a Basic First Aid class on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Each class will be held from 6:00 -10:00 p.m. The cost of each class is $25 or $45 if you register for both. For more information and/or to register, please call Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074. The deadline for registering is 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 13, 2010.   

The Technical College System of Georgia Office of Adult Education hosted a day-long symposium at Savannah Tech on Tuesday, April 27.

Community and state leaders in business, education, government and faith based entities met to develop plans to increase opportunities for advanced employment and postsecondary education options through improved literacy in their communities. The event was attended by the adult education leadership team of the soon to be formed Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.

Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond served as the keynote speaker. Attendees listened to various speakers, participated in workshops and other activities, and learned about collaborative partnerships and grant writing. Speakers and activities were offered to increase awareness about adult literacy issues and challenges. Attendees learned about opportunities to encourage local communities to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with professional adult educators and General Education Development (GED) Testing Centers.

Last year, almost 20,000 Georgians changed their lives for the better and improved their job opportunities by obtaining their GED diploma. That number seems small, however, when compared to the more than 1.1 million Georgians over the age of 25 who are still without their high school or GED diploma.

Citizens without a secondary education credential will earn an average of almost $9,000 less annually than a person with a GED or high school diploma.

According to the 2000 Census, 42,463 individuals living in the eleven county service area of Wiregrass Tech are over the age of 25 and do not have a GED or high school diploma. In 2009, a total of 741 GEDs were awarded by East Central Tech and Valdosta Tech. Wiregrass Tech serves Atkinson, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, and Wilcox counties.

To learn more about adult education services offered at East Central Technical College, contact Sylvia Lockett, director for adult education, at (229) 468-2271 or slockett@eastcentraltech.edu. To learn more about adult education services offered at Valdosta Technical College, call (229) 333-2123.   

Driver’s Education classes will be held on the Coffee Campus of East Central Tech May 24-28. The Monday through Thursday classes will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and the Friday class will run 8 a.m. until 12 noon. Driving times will be scheduled individually in addition to the thirty hours of classroom time.

The course is designed for all young drivers. All students must have a valid Georgia Learner’s Permit in order to register for the class and preregistration is required. Most insurance companies offer a rate reduction on insurance premiums after students complete this course. The cost of the course is $275. You can refer a friend and after they complete a paid registration, you get $25 off.

Class size is limited, so register early. Students must be registered no later than three business days prior to the start of the class. No refunds will be granted within 48 hours of the scheduled class start date.

For more information contact Gail Giddens at 228-468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu. Class location will be at 706 West Baker Highway in Douglas.   

What can Adult Education Classes Offer? Basic instruction in reading, writing and math skills; Preparation for the General Education Development (GED) test; Individualized programs of study to meet your learning needs; Small classes; Free classes and instructional materials; Career transition assistance into credit enrollment for GED graduates.

Who Should Attend Adult Education Classes? Adults who did not finish high school but want to further their education at a technical college, with skills below the high school level seeking job advancement, and with limited English proficiency.

Where do Classes Meet? Classes are held in Atkinson, Ben Hill, Coffee, Irwin and Wilcox Counties. Please contact the Adult Education Office for a complete listing of class sites and schedules.

How do you enroll in Classes? For a schedule of classes, contact East Central Technical College:

• Atkinson - 912 422-7004
• Ben Hill - 229 423-8200
• Coffee - 912 389-0053
• Irwin - 229 468-3310
• Wilcox - 229 365-7983

Take a free placement test to determine your starting point.

Students attending the Adult Education Programs will not be charged tuition, fees, or any other charges, or be required to purchase any books, or any other materials, that are needed for participation in the program. (The first charge a student may incur is the charge for GED testing.)   

East Central Technical College’s Pearson Adult Learning Center completed Winter Quarter classes on March 18, 2010. The adult basic education and GED students enjoyed an end-of-quarter celebration that morning. Students received a certificate for completing the quarter successfully and were recognized for their accomplishments.

If you are interested in attending classes, please contact Brianna Gillis, GED Instructor, at the center located at 201 North Pearson Street or call 422-7004. Day classes are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.mm until 12:00 noon and night classes are Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.   

East Central Technical College will be holding a CPR for Community and Workplace class on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 and a Basic First Aid class on Wednesday, April 28, 2010. Each class will be held from 6:00 -10:00 p.m. The cost of each class is $25 or $45 if you register for both. For more information and/or to register, please call Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074. The deadline for registering is 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.   

East Central Tech Ben Hill-Irwin Campus Computer Information Systems instructor DeAnnia Clements and Coffee Campus Practical Nursing student Joseph Taft competed with individuals from 10 other technical colleges for regional honors for the Rick Perkins Award (outstanding instructor of the year) and the Georgia Award of Leadership - GOAL (outstanding student of the year) at the ECTC campus on March 24. Regional winners will be announced in May at a statewide competition with other technical college regional winners, and from that event state winners for the Technical College System of Georgia in the two categories will be selected.Pictured (L-R): Jim Schwindle, Vice President for Academic Affairs; DeAnnia Clements, ECTC Rick Perkins Award Instructor, Lisa Tomberlin, ECTC Interim President, Kellie Lockwood, Practical Nursing Instructor; Joseph Taft, Practical Nursing GOAL Student, Mona Paulk, Executive Director for Advancement.   

The Spring Graduation was held on Friday, March 19th at East Central Tech. 191 candidates received their diplomas and 100 walked on that day. Many graduates were already at work pursuing their new careers.

Of the candidates, 5 earned a degree, 186 earned a diploma, and 3 earned 2 diplomas. The average age of the graduates was 30.8 years. The youngest was 18 and the oldest was 62. Seventy-two percent of the candidates were female and 28% were males. 56% were white, 39% were African-American, 4% were Hispanic, and 1% was Asian. Forty-two percent came from Coffee County, 24% from Ben Hill County, 7% from Atkinson and Irwin, and the other 20% came from Appling, Bacon, Berrien, Dodge, Fulton, Jeff Davis, Lowndes, Telfair, Ware, Wheeler, Wilcox, and Worth counties.

Dr. Perren, a former president of East Central, who is the new president of Valdosta Technical College, was the guest speaker. His message was on Servant Leadership.

On July 1, 2010, East Central Technical College will merge with Valdosta Technical College. The new college will serve 11 counties. Dr. Perren will become the president of the new college on that date.   

The Compton Coffee Crowd, who meets each weekday morning at Burger King, recently donated a substantial gift to the Joe and Audis Compton Scholarship Fund. According to Howard Jordan, Executive Director of the Foundation, “We are very pleased with all of the gifts that have been given to this fund. We get calls every day wanting to know if the scholarship has been funded. To date, we are over three fourths of the way. We set $10,000 as the scholarship goal.”  Members of the Coffee Crowd include: (L-R:) Joe Compton, Maurice Swanson, Robert Sherrell, John Wiggins, and Ernest Pickard.   

Governor Sonny Perdue has appointed Kellie Lockwood to the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Practical Nurses. Kellie is the lead instructor for the Practical Nursing Program at East Central Technical College. She previously served as the Director of the Pharmacy Technician Program at the college. Lockwood is a registered nurse and has served as supervisor of Home Health Aides for the Health Department Home Care Services, an instructor at East Central Tech, an industrial nurse at Joseph Campbell Company and director and instructor at South Georgia College.

Kellie earned a nursing degree from Grady Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, a Bachelor’s degree from the University of the state of New York, and a Master’s degree from Valdosta State University. She and her husband Charles have five children.

Interim President Lisa Tomberlin said, “The Nursing Program at East Central Tech has always been one of the best anywhere. With instructors like Kellie, students can be assured that they are receiving the best instruction available. Kellie is very passionate about her job and she cares deeply about her students.”  

East Central Technical College will offer an Electrical continuing education course which will allow electrical professional to earn either four or ten continuing education credits and gain the 10 hour OSHA certification at the same time.

Part I will be held Thursday, April 1 from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. This course will address workplace safety procedures needed by electrical professionals. Those completing Part I will earn four CE credits and have four of the ten hours of the OSHA certification completed. The fee for Part I is $60.

For those desiring more CE credits and to complete the requirements of the OSHA 10 Hour certification, Part II will be offered on Saturday, April 24. This will be from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The fee for Part II is $90. A Participant must complete Part I before taking Part II to get the OSHA certification.

For more information, or to register, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074 or Lidell Greenway at (229) 468-2240.   

Joseph Taft, a practical nursing student at East Central Technical College from Atkinson County, has been named as the college’s winner of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL).

The announcement was made at the college’s GOAL recognition meeting on February 23 at the Ben Hill-Irwin campus of ECTC.

Taft was chosen by a panel of local leaders over three other nominees for the award. The runners-up were: Llewellyn Boone, a Welding and Joining Technology major from Berrien County; John Kunberger, a Practical Nursing major from Atkinson County; and Elizabeth Morgan, a Communication Information Systems and Telecommunications Technology major from Ben Hill County.

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. Local GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 28 technical colleges as well as the two Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

The announcement of Taft as the ECTC GOAL winner was made by Lisa G. Tomberlin, ECTC Interim President.

Taft will now proceed to regional preliminary judging scheduled for March 2. Taft will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Atlanta in May where, for two-days, he will compete with GOAL finalists from the other state technical college campuses. A panel of leaders from the business, industry and government sectors will interview them and choose one to be the state’s 2010 GOAL winner and the recipient of the GOAL medallion. The grand prize also includes a new car.

Mr. Taft stated “representing East Central Tech as Goal winner is a great honor. Being able to watch Llewellyn, John, and Elizabeth compete made me realize just how tough the competition was. They were so strong and well prepared. I think it is a testimony of how well we as students are being taught by our instructors. To be honest the only speech class I ever took was integrated with Mr. Michael Williams’ English class. If any knows me personally they know that my performance was a result of answered prayer and his teaching ability.”

Taft is the son of Fred and Elizabeth Taft, and he and his wife, Nancy, live in Pearson. He chose to attend ECTC to earn his degree and pursue a career as a licensed practical nurse.   

Pictured (L-R): Sylvia Lockett, Director for Adult Education, Emmit O’Neal, Karen Jackson, Irwin County Adult Education Instructor and Lisa Tomberlin, ECTC Interim President..

The Technical College System of Georgia recognized 30 adult learners for their outstanding achievement in the state’s Adult Education Program. The students were honored as Eagle Delegates during an awards ceremony that was part of the TCSG Office of Adult Education’s Annual Leadership Institute at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta. The keynote speakers were Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond and Ann Cramer, Director of Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs for IBM North America.

Emmit O’Neal represented East Central Technical College. O’Neal was nominated by his instructor, Karen Jackson. O’Neal resides in Ocilla with his wife Linda. Emmit is enrolled at ECTC to receive his GED.

According to Lisa Tomberlin, ECTC Interim President, “I have been very interested in the Adult Education Program for many years and it is always such an honor to see students like Mr. O’Neal set goals and go after their dreams.”

The 30 EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) delegates were nominated by their instructors from among the more than 95,000 men and women who are enrolled in adult education programs throughout Georgia. The exceptional effort that they put forth in their studies and the success that they have achieved makes the EAGLE delegates outstanding role models for the million-plus Georgians who have never obtained their high school diploma or a GED.

TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson presented the students with their EAGLE award. He noted that each student is considered to be an ambassador for Georgia’s adult education program and a spokesperson for the positive effect that working toward and earning a GED can have on people’s lives and their job potential.

“Through hard work and perseverance you’ve proven to yourself and others like you that it’s possible to overcome life’s obstacles and get the education and respect that you’ve always deserved,” said Jackson. “Now, I call on you to not only continue your education, but also to help spread the word that obtaining a GED is a very important step toward discovering your potential, getting a better job, and improving the future for you, your family, and your community.”   

East Central Technical College will be holding a CPR for Community and Workplace class on Monday, March 22, 2010 and a Basic First Aid class on Tuesday, March 23, 2010. Each class will be held from 6:00 -10:00 p.m. The cost of each class is $25 or $45 if you register for both. For more information and/or to register, please call Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074. The deadline for registering is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2010.   

Four East Central Tech students have been selected as the college’s semi-finalists for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), according to Mona Paulk, coordinator for the ECTC GOAL program.

Chosen as semifinalists are: Llewellyn Boone, a Welding and Joining Technology major from Berrien County; John Kunberger, a Practical Nursing major from Atkinson County; Elizabeth Morgan, a Communication Information Systems and Telecommunications Technology major from Ben Hill County, and Joseph Taft, a Practical Nursing major from Atkinson County.

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 28 technical colleges as well as the two Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

All the college GOAL winners will compete in regional preliminary judging, which will include students from the other 27 colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia as well as the two Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

"The purpose of the GOAL program is to spotlight the outstanding achievement by students in Georgia's technical colleges and to emphasize the importance of technical education in today’s global workforce," said Paulk.

According to Paulk, a screening committee of administrators at East Central Tech selected the four semifinalists from a list of students nominated by their instructors.

"The next step is for a panel of business, civic and industry leaders from the community to interview and evaluate these four students and select one to be the college’s 2010 GOAL winner," explained Paulk. “The one judged most outstanding will compete in regional preliminary judging.

The state GOAL winner becomes the student ambassador for the Technical College System of Georgia and receives a grand prize of a new car, the statewide corporate sponsor of Georgia’s GOAL program.   

Members of the Satilla REMC Foundation Board and other Satilla EMC personnel met with East Central Technical College representatives Tuesday, February 23, 2010, to award a $5,000 educational advancement contribution.

Funding for the contribution was made possible through the voluntary contributions of the Members who buy electricity from Satilla REMC. The purpose of the contribution was to get needed but unavailable funds into the technical colleges within the nine-county area that Satilla REMC serves and to enhance the educational process for as many students as possible.

Lisa Tomberlin, East Central Technical College Interim President, thanked the Members of Satilla REMC and those attending the presentation. She remarked, “The contribution is timely, needed, and certainly appreciated since the technical colleges of Georgia have undergone recent cuts in their local education budget. The funds will be used to support student and program success through equipment purchases, student scholarships, and other technical program projects that advance the work of the college.”

Mickey Whittington, Satilla REMC Foundation Chairman, also noted that the “Members of Satilla REMC have invested more than $60,000 toward the educational futures of students who attend Altamaha Technical College. Since 1999, our Members have given more than $714,000 to students through high-school scholarships, $MART Grants, endowed scholarships and capital funding contributions to technical colleges in our service area.”

The Satilla REMC Foundation is proud to partner with East Central Technical College to provide additional educational opportunities to students attending technical colleges in its nine-county service area. The Members of Satilla, through their voluntary contributions, reinforce the belief that education should not be limited to schools, but that the responsibility of education and youth development be shared by the community. Today's students will be tomorrow's leaders, and the Satilla REMC Foundation recognizes this fact and actively works to help cultivate these future leaders.   

Dual Enrollment is an excellent way to jump start training in a desired career path. Just ask Tori Hill, Ashley Speed, Daniel Burch, and Brad Moon who are all seniors at Coffee County High School. East Central Tech and Coffee High work together to promote this dynamic opportunity.

According to Tori Hill, the program provided a different setting for her and she felt that it helped her mature by offering a whole new set of opportunities. The CNA program opened up many new exciting ideas in the medical field. She has plans to enter the RN program at South Georgia College and later move to Savannah with family and friend to pursue her career. She states, “The program was great and it gave me a sense of being on my own and making my own decisions.”

Ashley Speed said the after school schedule was easy to adapt to and the material was very interesting in the nail tech program. Ashley wants to attend college and enroll in the Early Childhood Care and Education and Business Administrative Technology programs. She enjoys designing clothes and new designs for nails. She says, “The program was more than I expected and was very worthwhile.”

Another student, Daniel Burch, enrolled in the car audio program and found it to be just what he is looking for. Daniel always had an interest in audio equipment and installation. He takes great pride in explaining how to match up the right speaker with the right amp for maximum output. He hopes someday to have his own audio and mechanics shop. Daniel plans to attend East Central Tech after graduation. Brad Moon also found that car audio and gaming was very interesting and a great way to spend his time. Brad leaves his options open by stating that he loves to design video games, install audio systems, and enjoys repairing computers. Brad plans to take a little break after high school and then pursue his chosen career.

Dual enrollment is a process through which a high school student takes one or more courses from a state public or private postsecondary institution and receives credit at the high school and at the postsecondary institution. Dual enrollment is open to any student who is enrolled in a public high school and some private high schools, and meets criteria for participation in dual enrollment programs. Students typically begin dual enrollment coursework in their junior or senior year of high school, but in some cases, students in grades 9 and 10 may participate if they meet specific eligibility requirements. Depending on the type of dual enrollment, courses may be taken on the college campus, online or at the high school. College tuition for dual enrollment courses can be paid using a variety of funding sources, but in many cases the HOPE Grant is the primary source of funding for students that take classes at East Central Tech.   

Approximately 250 citizens turned out to honor Joe and Audis Compton at East Central Tech on Tuesday night to establish a scholarship fund in their names at the college.

Judge Bobby Chasteen served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Speakers included Jimmy (Peanut) Howell, Dr. Thad Clayton, Dr. Carl Findley, Jr. and Mr. Jack Paulk.

The program began with a short video of the Compton family. The featured speakers related to their days under Coach Compton and the effect he had on their lives. The constant theme that ran through their comments was that Joe and Audis led by example. They both were excellent teachers and had a deep passion for education.

The comments were inspirational, funny, and filled with life lessons. After the program there was time to talk with the Comptons and pictures were made. Mona Paulk, who coordinated the banquet, stated, “Once we started putting it together the phone started ringing with those who wanted to be a part of the banquet. They shared stories with us and told us how the Comptons had touched their lives. It was a very satisfying and pleasurable process.”

A scholarship fund is being established for Joe and Audis Compton. The banquet was a jumpstart on that campaign, but gifts can still be made as $10,000 is needed to endow a scholarship so that only the interest will be used, making the fund perpetual.

For more information contact Mona Paulk at 229-468-2102.   

East Central Tech announces its March GED testing dates for the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus. The first testing session will be held on March 11 beginning at 8 a.m., with pre-registration for this session being held on March 9 at 8 a.m. The second testing session will be held on March 27 beginning at 8 a.m. with pre-registration for this session being held on March 23 at 7 p.m. or March 25 at 8 a.m.

The fee for GED testing is $19 per part or $95 for all five parts. Acceptable methods of payment include cash, money orders, and credit/debit cards. Scholarship monies may be available for qualifying candidates through ECTC’s Adult Education Department.

Those who complete the GED may be eligible to receive $500 in additional HOPE scholarship money to further their education at ECTC. Restrictions on HOPE eligibility apply. Pre-registration is mandatory for GED testing. Candidates must provide a state-issued picture ID when they register.

For individuals who need assistance in preparing to take the GED, contact ECTC’s Adult Literacy program at (912) 389-0053. For more information regarding GED pre-registration and testing, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074.   

East Central Tech announces its March GED Testing dates for the Coffee Campus. The first testing session will be held on March 13 beginning at 8 a.m., with pre-registration for this session being held on March 9 at 7 p.m. or March 11 at 8 a.m. The second testing session will be held on March 25 beginning at 8 a.m., with pre-registration for this session being held on March 23 at 8 a.m.

The fee for GED testing is $19 per part or $95 for all five parts. Acceptable methods of payment include cash, money orders, and credit/debit cards. Scholarship monies may be available for qualifying candidates through ECTC’s Adult Education Department.

Those who complete the GED may be eligible to receive $500 in additional HOPE scholarship money to further their education at ECTC. Restrictions on HOPE eligibility apply. Pre-registration is mandatory for GED testing. Candidates must provide a state-issued picture ID when they register.

For individuals who need assistance in preparing to take the GED, contact ECTC’s Adult Literacy program at (912) 389-0053. For more information regarding GED pre-registration and testing, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074.   

East Central Tech will offer the Driver’s Education course during the spring break school holidays. This course will allow teen drivers to meet the classroom and individual driving instruction requirements set forth in Joshua’s Law. The classes will be April 5 – 9. The time will be Monday, April 5 through Thursday, April 8 from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and Friday, April 9 form 8:00a.m.until noon. The classes will be held at East Central Tech’s Coffee Campus located at 706 West Baker Highway.

New teen drivers have to meet additional training requirements before they get behind the wheel now that the Georgia law has taken effect. Senate Bill 226, also known as Joshua’s Law, was passed during the 2005 session of the Georgia General Assembly. Beginning January 1, 2007, all 16-year olds applying for a Georgia driver’s license must complete an approved driver education course. Any Georgia teen who has not completed an approved driver education course must wait until age 17 to be eligible for a drivers license. Additionally, teen drivers must complete a total of 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 hours of which must be at night, with a parent or guardian’s sworn statement that these driving requirements have been met.

The program consists of thirty hours of classroom training and six hours of training behind the wheel. The program is designed to meet the training requirements of Joshua’s Law as well as provide 6 of the 40 hours of supervised driving that teens must have before getting their drivers license.

For more information regarding Joshua’s Law and the training options available, please visit the Department of Driver Services website at http://www.dds.ga.gov/teens/index.aspx.

The class is $275 per teen. Registered/paid participants who refer a friend who registers and pays at least one week before the course starts will receive a $25 discount on their fee.

Parents should be mindful of the $150 state tax credit that is available and the significant impact completing the course can make on reducing insurance coverage costs. To register for the information session or for the first classes, contact Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu.   

East Central Tech announces its February GED Testing dates for the Coffee Campus. The testing session will be held on February 25 beginning at 8 a.m., with pre-registration for this session being held on February 23 at 8 a.m.

The fee for GED testing is $19 per part or $95 for all five parts. Acceptable methods of payment include cash, money orders, and credit/debit cards. Scholarship monies may be available for qualifying candidates through ECTC’s Adult Education Department. Those who complete the GED may be eligible to receive $500 in additional HOPE scholarship money to further their education at ECTC. Restrictions on HOPE eligibility apply.

Pre-registration is mandatory for GED testing. Candidates must provide a state-issued picture ID when they register. For individuals who need assistance in preparing to take the GED, contact ECTC’s Adult Literacy program at (912) 389-0053. For more information regarding GED pre-registration and testing, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074.   

East Central Tech announces its February GED Testing dates for the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus. The testing session will be held on February 11 beginning at 8 a.m., with pre-registration for this session being held on February 9 at 8 a.m. The fee for GED testing is $19 per part or $95 for all five parts. Acceptable methods of payment include cash, money orders, and credit/debit cards. Scholarship monies may be available for qualifying candidates through ECTC’s Adult Education Department. Those who complete the GED may be eligible to receive $500 in additional HOPE scholarship money to further their education at ECTC. Restrictions on HOPE eligibility apply. Pre-registration is mandatory for GED testing. Candidates must provide a state-issued picture ID when they register. For individuals who need assistance in preparing to take the GED, contact ECTC’s Adult Literacy program at (912) 389-0053. For more information regarding GED pre-registration and testing, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074.   

East Central Tech will offer the ServSafe® Food Safety course on February 25 and 26 on the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus. Tina Day, Director of Food and Nutrition at Dorminy Medical Center, will be the instructor for this course.

ServSafe® is the food service industry’s premier food safety training and certification course. It is recognized by more federal, state, and local health jurisdictions than any other food safety training program in the U.S. The ServSafe® course is recommended for all types of food service managers. This is a great opportunity to obtain your National Certification and update your skills in food-borne illness prevention.

The course will be held from 8:30 am to 5 pm on Thursday, February 25, and from 8:30 am to 12 noon on Friday, February 26. Participants must attend both days to receive certification. The registration fee is $175, which covers the registration and exam fees. Class is limited to 25, so early registration is strongly recommended. For additional information or to register, contact Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu.   

Statewide Engineering Co will be offering Level 1A GA Erosion and Sedimentation Control Recertification classes on the Coffee Campus of East Central Technical College in February. The recertification class is a 4-hour class that will be offered from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on the following dates: February 12 (registration deadline February 5) and February 26 (registration deadline February 19). The fee for the course is $75. For additional information or to register, contact Christy Cobb at (229) 468-2218 or ccobb@eastcentraltech.edu.   

Instructors at East Central Tech have nominated 25 of their students for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), according to Mona Paulk, coordinator for the college’s GOAL program.

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 28 technical colleges as well as the two Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

GOAL winners from each campus will compete in March and April in consortia preliminary judging and two finalists from each consortium will go on to compete for the state title in Atlanta in May.

Chosen for recognition by their instructors are John Ashe, a Practical Nursing major from Ben Hill County, Melony Bennett, an Industrial Electrical Technology major from Coffee County, Llewellyn Boone, a Welding and Joining Technology major from Berrien County, Lowell Burnam, a Practical Nursing major from Atkinson County, Jesse Carroll, a Business Administrative Technology major from Ben Hill County, Denise Crosby, a Practical Nursing major from Atkinson County, Johnny Deese, a Computer Information Systems Technology major from Coffee County, Sherry Donnellan, a Business Administrative Technology major from Ben Hill County, Amanda Floyd, a Practical Nursing major from Coffee County, Ashley Fuson, an Automotive Technology major from Coffee County, Casey Hersey, an Air Conditioning Technology major from Coffee County, James Patrick Huggins, an Industrial Systems Technology major from Ben Hill County, John F. Kunberger, a Practical Nursing major from Atkinson County, Elizabeth D. Morgan, Computer Information Systems Technology major and Convergent Telecommunications Technology major from Irwin County, Shirley Musselwhite, a Computer Information Systems Technology major from Ben Hill County, Patty L. Palmer, a Practical Nursing major from Berrien County, Jonathan Peterson, an Industrial Systems Technology major from Coffee County, Erica Poole, a Business Administrative Technology major from Atkinson County, Nena Rhodes, a Cosmetology major from Coffee County, Joseph Taft, a Practical Nursing major from Atkinson County, Crystal Tomberlin, a Cosmetology major from Ben Hill County, Mary VanCleave, a Practical Nursing major from Coffee County, Kelley S. Wetherington, a Business Administrative Technology major from Coffee County, and Michelle D. Young, an Early Childhood Care and Education major from Ben Hill County.

"The purpose of the GOAL program is to spotlight the outstanding achievement by students in Georgia's technical colleges and to emphasize the importance of technical education in today’s global workforce," said Paulk.

A screening committee at East Central Tech will review each of the instructors’ nominations then conduct personal interviews with the students. Finalists will then be chosen to compete to be the college’s GOAL winner for 2010.

The finalists will take part in another round of interviews and evaluations by representatives from local business and industry. That panel will consider the students’ qualities like academic achievement, personal character, leadership abilities and enthusiasm for technical education.

The student judged most outstanding will be designated as the college’s GOAL winner and move on to the consortia preliminary judging; then two from each consortium, which will make up the 12 finalists, will attend competition for the state GOAL award and selection as the Technical College System of Georgia’s 2010 student of the year.   

Classroom instruction for the next Driver’s Education training session has been scheduled for February 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 22 & 23, 2010 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The 6-hour behind the wheel driving will be scheduled individually after classroom instruction ends.

The program consists of thirty hours of classroom training and six hours of training behind the wheel. The program is designed to meet the training requirements of Joshua’s Law as well as provide 6 of the 40 hours of supervised driving that teens must have before obtaining their driver’s license.

The cost of the class is $275 per person. Parents should be mindful of the $150 state tax credit that is available and the significant impact completing the course can make on reducing insurance coverage costs. To register for this class, or for additional information, contact Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074 or send an email to ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu. The registration deadline is Wednesday, February 3, 2010.   

The Wiregrass Reader, a literary journal published by East Central Technical College, won first place for its outstanding design and content in the American Scholastic Press Association’s Annual Scholastic Newspaper and Magazine Contest. In addition to providing awards for top-scoring publications, the American Scholastic Press Association provides advice on design, layout, graphics, and other useful items.

“It’s a great honor to receive first place,” said Michael Williams, the Coffee adviser, “particularly in only our second year of publication.”

“Each edition of the journal gets better and better, exhibiting the talent of our community,” added Jana Williams, Ben Hill-Irwin County adviser.

The 2nd edition of The Wiregrass Reader was published in March 2009 and wouldn’t have been possible without Mary Ann Garner’s expertise in the journal’s design and creativity and the excellent contributions of students and community members. The English department at East Central Technical College will publish its 3rd edition in March 2010. Categories include personal narratives, poems, short stories, and argumentative essays from students at the college, high school students in the five-county service area, and community members. If you are interested in details about future journals, please email Michael Williams at "mwilliams@eastcentraltech.edu or Jana Williams at jwilliams@eastcentraltech.edu.

Interim President Lisa Tomberlin added, “We feel that publishing this journal adds a completely new dimension to what we already do at the college. We are so proud of Jana, Michael, and Mary Ann and all those involved in this project. Our employees continue to excel no matter what the challenge.”