THOMASVILLE — Southwest Georgia Technical College (SWGTC) student Donna Gamble has been named one of Georgia’s 2014 EAGLE delegates for her outstanding performance in Adult Education. As an EAGLE delegate, Gamble will represent SWGTC at the EAGLE Leadership Institute in Atlanta on March 16-18, 2015. She will compete against delegates from other colleges within the Technical College System of Georgia for the honor of being named the State EAGLE Award Winner.

EAGLE, which stands for Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literary Education, was created to celebrate adult learners in pursuit of excellence. EAGLE delegates are nominated by their adult education instructors based on criteria such as student character, attitude, attendance and community involvement. The student must also demonstrate exceptional perseverance, a positive attitude, superb classroom attendance and excellent leadership skills while earning their GED® diploma.

Based on interviews with a panel of judges, SWGTC’s EAGLE nominees were narrowed down to one delegate and local EAGLE winner, Donna Gamble.

Robbie Douglas, adult education/GED instructor, nominated Gamble for the EAGLE Award. In her nomination she wrote, “Donna Gamble has an enthusiasm for learning that is contagious. She comes to class every day prepared to learn something new and is willing to work hard in order to meet the goals she has set for herself. Donna is a firm believer in second chances and is an excellent EAGLE delegate.”

“I hope to break the generational curse (going through life without the benefit of a high school diploma) that seems to run in my family. I come from a family of seven. My mother became a single mother at a young age and became a high school dropout. She never returned to school to finish her education. My dad decided not to continue attending high school due to a lack of money in his home, so he worked instead, in order to help his parents pay the bills. Now, by earning a GED diploma, I am hoping to be a positive role model for my entire family; especially my five year old daughter, who believes in me,” commented Gamble.

Ellen Terrell, transition coordinator for adult education, said, “Donna is a great student. Her positive outlook on life and her commitment to reaching her goals is truly an inspiration to those around her. I know she will be a great representative for of Southwest Georgia Technical College, and GED graduates everywhere.”

Every EAGLE delegate is considered an ambassador and spokesperson for literacy serving local communities and the state by promoting lifelong learning. Since its inception in 1993, the EAGLE Award program has recognized more than 1600 outstanding students across the state. In additional to serving as volunteer role models for family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers, EAGLE delegates serve as mentors, peer tutors, and recruiters of other students into local adult education programs.