Gavin Wright and Destiny Walker represent SGTC at TCSG EAGLE conference
Atlanta, GA – South Georgia Technical College’s (SGTC) Adult Education Instructor Destiny Walker and High School Equivalency student Gavin Wright represented the college at the Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) 2026 Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) award at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia. They were competing against the top adult education instructors and students from across Georgia.
The EAGLE student award recognizes an adult education student from the Technical College System of Georgia who has demonstrated outstanding determination, leadership and academic achievement while pursuing educational goals. The top Adult Education instructors are also competing for the title of the 2026 Outstanding Adult Education Teacher of the Year for displaying the dedication that reflects the life-changing impact of adult leading programs across Georgia.
Trinity Griffin of Southern Regional Technical College was named the 2026 Adult Education Student of the Year and recipient of the Dinah Culbreath Wayne Exceptional Adult Georgia in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Award, while Trisha Pomerville of West Georgia Technical College was named the 2026 Outstanding Adult Education Teacher of the Year. Shaw Orange of West Georgia Technical College was this year’s runner-up.
SGTC’s Gavin Wright was selected as one of eight state finalists for the EAGLE Award. He earned the opportunity to advance as a finalist after delivering an inspiring speech during the TCSG regional judging event.
SGTC President Dr. John Watford praised Wright and the Adult Education faculty and staff for this accomplishment. “Please join me in congratulating Gavin and the entire Adult Education team for this high honor,” said Watford. “To be named an EAGLE finalist is a tremendous achievement, and we are proud to have Gavin as well as Destiny Walker represent South Georgia Technical College at the state level.”
A native of Leslie, GA, Wright credits the SGTC Adult Education program with helping him rebuild his academic confidence and reshape his future. “My instructors didn’t just teach me,” he said. “They encouraged, guided, and believed in me even when I doubted myself. Their support helped me realize I could succeed.”
Destiny Walker, who teaches adult education at the SGTC Crisp County Center, was SGTC’s representative for the Teacher of the Year. She described adult education as a calling. “I want to help others because I know how it feels to struggle,” she said. “I ‘ve been there and now I want to give back and show people it’s never too late.”
The EAGLE program, sponsored by the Technical College System of Georgia’s Office of Adult Education, celebrates learners who have made significant strides in their education while also demonstrating leadership, civic responsibility, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
SGTC provides adult education services across a seven-county service area, including Sumter, Crisp, Marion, Macon, Schley, Webster, and Taylor counties, with flexible class options available in person and online.
For more information about Adult Education at South Georgia Technical College, call (229) 931-2565 or visit www.southgatech.edu.