The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) named the 2024 Dinah Culbreath Wayne Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Award winner for outstanding achievement in the state’s adult education program. Patria Brown from the Cobb County School District was named TCSG’s 2024 Adult Education Student of the Year. Rhea Brashear from Southern Regional Technical College won the 2024 Outstanding Adult Education Teacher of the Year award.

TCSG State Board Chairman, Dr. Artesius Miller, TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier, and TCSG Assistant Commissioner for Adult Education, Dr. Cayanna Good, presented the awards during the annual Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Institute at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia on March 26 and 27.

"The Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Awards highlight the transformative impact of adult education on individuals, families, and communities in Georgia,” said TCSG Commissioner, Greg Dozier. “Patria and Rhea exemplify the dedication and resilience that make adult education such a vital component of our state's educational landscape. We commend their remarkable achievements and celebrate their commitment to lifelong learning."

TCSG’s Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Award recognizes and honors students from throughout the state who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in adult education programs. Each March, the local EAGLE winners are the guests of a three-day conference in Atlanta. Patria, who was selected by a panel of judges from business and education, will receive a full scholarship to the technical college of her choice. In addition, her fees and books will be paid for through a stipend from the Brenda Wise Scholarship Fund, established in 2014 in memory of Brenda Wise, a lifelong supporter of adult education.

"We are incredibly proud of Patria and all that she has accomplished,” said Dr. Ehsan Kattoula, Assistant Superintendent, Cobb County School District. "Her remarkable success is a testament not only to her dedication to improving her life through education, but also to the quality of education provided by the staff of the Cobb County Schools Adult Education Program."

Over the coming year, Patria will travel the state as Georgia’s Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE ambassador for adult education, speaking to students, civic groups, legislators, and others about literacy and lifelong learning. The runner-up for the adult education student of the year is Brenda Hooper from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. Twenty-six adult learners were celebrated at the annual event in Atlanta by hundreds of guests who applauded the students for overcoming obstacles that once stood in the way of their education.

This year also marked the third annual Outstanding Adult Education Teacher of the Year Award, which was given to Rhea Brashear from Southern Regional Technical College.

"Congratulations to Rhea on being recognized as the 2024 Outstanding Adult Education Teacher of the Year,” said Southern Regional Technical College President, Jim Glass. “Rhea’s commitment to helping her students achieve their goals through life-changing education embodies the values we hold dear at Southern Regional Technical College.”

The 2024 Outstanding Adult Education Teacher of the Year runner up was Terri Greene from Lanier Technical College.

To learn more about TCSG’s Adult Education program, visit www.GeorgiaOpportunities.com