Central Georgia Technical College recently named Shawna Early, a Business and Computer Technologies program chair for computer skills, and Rabon Hewell, an adjunct instructor in health sciences, the Rick Perkins Award Winner and Adjunct Instructor of the Year for 2018, respectively.
 
Early, who received the local Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction during the fall semester Awards Day, will now move on to the regional competition.
 
“As the winner of the Rick Perkins Award, my goal is to inspire others to always pursue their dreams no matter the cost,” Early said. “Teachers are lifelong learners who relish the chance to grow and evolve. They must keep their energy levels up by focusing on why they got into teaching in the first place.”
 
Early said one of the greatest assets that she can bring to a classroom is her unique personality, adding that teaching at CGTC is “fulfilling,” because it allows her to utilize her individual gifts, talents, and knowledge to, “inspire, lead, and motivate”, her students as they move on to make a positive impact in the local workforce.
 
“I find myself encouraged and uplifted by the little joys that accompany working with students who need the basic computer skills to matriculate into their career paths. This is a sacred trust we are given as teachers, and definitely one of the benefits of the job here at CGTC.”
 
Along with the recognition, Early also received monetary awards recognizing her achievement from the CGTC Foundation, HEA Federal Credit Union, and MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union.
 
Early, who was nominated for this honor by her peers, was selected as the winner from a group of four finalists. A panel of community leaders interviewed each finalist to determine the College’s winner. Oher finalists for the award were: Dr. Morris Clarington, program chair for Health Sciences Core, Lisa Dennis, instructor for Adult Education, Jolie Martin, program chair for Cosmetology, and Fredia Wimsatt, Health Technology Core instructor.
 
Early will now move on to the Central Region Rick Perkins Award competitions to be held on the Warner Robins campus on February 27, 2018. Early, along with 22 other Rick Perkins Award winners from technical colleges across Georgia will attend the state conference held April 24-25, 2017 in Atlanta. At the state competition, the top three candidates from the Central, North and South regions will be announced. These finalists will then complete a final interview process to determine the state Rick Perkins Award winner.
 
For 19 years, Early has been employed with CGTC. She provides instruction to students across a spectrum of interests and abilities. Currently, she is enrolled at Nova Southeastern University pursuing a doctoral degree in Higher Educational Leadership. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Internet Security.
 
During the awards Day ceremony, vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Amy Holloway also presented Rabon Hewell, affectionately known as “Buddy,” with the Adjunct Instructor of the Year award. Hewell is an instructor in the Health Sciences program.