Lowndes County resident Cameron Lee has been named Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s 2027 Dinah Culbreath Wayne Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Student of the Year. Lee received the honor at the 30th Annual EAGLE Recognition Reception held Thursday evening, October 15, which celebrated three decades of honoring adult education students. Amy Crews of Coffee County was recognized as the runner-up.
The annual reception, sponsored by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce and First Federal Savings and Loan of Valdosta, brought together college leadership, adult education instructors, community partners, and supporters. The event aimed to recognize students who have shown significant perseverance, determination, and dedication in achieving their educational goals. Both Lee and Crews shared their personal journeys, highlighting how adult education at Wiregrass has provided transformative opportunities.
Wiregrass President DeAnnia Clements spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of the EAGLE program. Clements stated that the program's 30-year history serves as a reminder of the "extraordinary determination and resilience" of adult education students. Clements added that Cameron Lee represents the program’s core values of perseverance, personal growth, and the courage to pursue new opportunities. Clements further noted the pride in Lee and all finalists for their accomplishments, underscoring that education has the capacity to change lives, strengthen families, and transform communities.
In addition to Lee and Crews, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College recognized six other outstanding EAGLE finalists from communities across its service area. These included Kimberly Dixon and Chloe Stephens from Ben Hill County; Candice Cain from Lanier County; Lachelle Akins from Cook County; Yesenia Cea from Coffee County; and Saige Harrell and Kayla Simpson from Lowndes County. Each of these finalists was nominated by an adult education instructor. Nominations were based on students' academic progress, their potential for leadership, and their commitment to overcoming challenges while working towards their educational goals.
Kelly Peacock, Dean of Adult Education Services at Wiregrass, commented on the unique stories of determination, sacrifice, and achievement that each recognized student embodies. Peacock highlighted that adult education students often manage their studies alongside work, family responsibilities, and personal challenges. Despite these demands, they continue their education, understanding the long-term value of investing in their futures. Peacock described Lee and all the finalists as shining examples of what can be achieved with appropriate support, resources, and encouragement, expressing honor in being part of their educational journeys.
The EAGLE Award program is an integral part of Georgia’s Certified Literate Community Program. This statewide initiative is designed to unite various community organizations, educational institutions, and literacy providers. Its purpose is to maximize existing resources and identify new opportunities to address local literacy needs effectively. For three decades, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has utilized the EAGLE recognition program to showcase the accomplishments of its adult education students. This ongoing recognition underscores the critical importance of literacy, lifelong learning, and accessible education in building a stronger workforce and a more robust community for Valdosta and the broader South Georgia region.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College extended its congratulations to Cameron Lee, runner-up Amy Crews, and all the 2027 EAGLE finalists. The college also expressed appreciation to the dedicated adult education instructors whose nominations, mentorship, and continuous support are crucial in helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.
