The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), through its Office of Adult Education (OAE), sponsors the annual Dinah Culbreath Wayne Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Leadership Institute. This student recognition program is designed to create greater awareness of educational opportunities available in local communities across the state and foster greater involvement in lifelong learning pursuits. The Leadership Institute recognizes and honors those students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes and programs.

Once selected at the local level, the EAGLE delegate will attend the state Leadership Institute. During the annual EAGLE Leadership Institute, the EAGLE winners chosen from the regional selection process will compete at the state level for the EAGLE Delegate of the Year title.

The Albany Technical College Adult Education Program had three EAGLE candidates competing for the state delegate position. The 2025 competition was held on Wednesday, October 16th (09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon) in the Logistics Education Building, LEC auditorium, providing an exciting platform for the competitors: Jessica Castellano (Dougherty County), Patrick Deariso (Dougherty County), and Jimmy Gray (Terrell County). Each contestant delivered compelling speeches, essays, and interviews that showcased their unique perspectives and aspirations, captivating the judges' attention.

During the series of in-depth interviews, the three selection panel Judges, Margaret Halbrook (University of Georgia Terrell County Extension), Kenneth Sumpter (Clay County Albany Technical College Board), and Rukiyah Muwwakkil (Athens Community Council on Aging), offered constructive feedback that went beyond simple scoring. They engaged with the competitors, discussing various avenues available to help them achieve their dreams and ambitions. This valuable exchange of ideas and insights not only enriched the experience for the contestants but also inspired them to think deeply about their future endeavors.