Bell selected to attend Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Leadership Institute

Lillian Bell has been chosen to represent Southeastern Technical College (STC) Adult Education at the Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Leadership Institute in Atlanta, in March 2025. The Leadership Institute recognizes and honors students who have demonstrated superior achievement in the Adult Education program.

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), through its Office of Adult Education, sponsors the annual EAGLE Leadership Institute. Every EAGLE delegate is considered an ambassador and spokesperson for literacy, serving local communities and the state by promoting lifelong learning.

Bell received her High School Equivalency (HSE) from Southeastern Technical College in 2024 and is currently working in Swainsboro.

“Having been homeschooled, the GED was the best avenue for me to achieve High School Equivalency, and it was also the fastest route,” said Bell. “Math may have taken me some time, but overall, I completed the program within 18 months. No matter where you are with your education, the instructors at Southeastern Tech are here to help students. They spent extra time encouraging me. Education doesn’t have to be cookie-cutter, and just because it’s the GED, doesn’t mean you don’t have to work for it.”

Bell followed in her father’s path, stating, “He obtained a GED and has done well for himself, attended college, and built his own business.”

Bell’s future goal is to work in forestry to create the life she has envisioned. Her other interests include playing the guitar and serving on her church worship team.

“Lily exemplified the meaning of success while she was enrolled in the Adult Education Program,” Susan Cross, Executive Director of Adult Education, commented. “She stayed true to her lifelong goals, learned from her challenges, and never lost her enthusiasm for what she wanted to achieve.”

Lillian was nominated for the EAGLE award by Annette Merier, Adult Education Instructor in Swainsboro. Allison Barr serves as Southeastern Tech’s EAGLE Coordinator.

“Lily was a joy to have in class. Her enthusiasm and consistent participation set a positive tone, creating an engaging learning environment for everyone,” said Ms. Merier. “The dedication to attend regularly is key for many students. Lily, an example of a resilient student, balanced a job while attending school, demonstrating her effective time management skills. Beyond academics, Lily is a well-rounded student who actively participates in her community. Even though she is quiet, Lily has good communication skills and takes time to listen.”

The EAGLE Leadership Institute is a two-day event designed to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of each of the EAGLE delegates and provide professional development sessions focused on increasing leadership, communication, and life management skills.

The EAGLE Award was the first statewide program in the nation to recognize and reward excellence among students enrolled in Adult Education. Since its inception in 1993, the EAGLE Award program has recognized more than 1,600 outstanding students across the state. In 2021, the TCSG State Board re-named the award the Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Award program in memory of long-time adult education supporter and state board member Dinah Culbreath Wayne.

For more information on Adult Education at Southeastern Technical College, visit www.southeasterntech.edu or call (912) 538-3100 or (478) 289-2200.