Central Georgia Technical College’s (CGTC) Adult Education Division (AED) recently announced, Bibb County resident, Emanuel Clark, 32, as its 2020 Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) delegate.

Nominated by his instructor, Lisa Dennis, and having participated in the College’s judging process, Clark will now represent CGTC and the AED at the EAGLE Leadership Institute in Atlanta, March 9-11, 2020.  The Leadership Institute recognizes and honors those students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes and programs.

Clark said he is thankful for what the Division and the College saw in him and he hopes that he can fulfill his potential while he represents.

“Technical education is important because it provides many opportunities for people like me who need to earn a high school equivalency diploma, those who need work skills to earn a livable wage, or for those who want to pursue more education,” he said.

Clark is not shy about his past involvement in a life of crime. Connecting with the wrong crowd, having no clear direction or education is a certain recipe to find “illegal ways to support dreams,” he said.

He spent a year in jail and ten months’ probation for stealing studio equipment. Out of jail and searching for direction, Clark had told himself he wanted better for his life and connected with family and his faith community to find employment. After first and second attempts at a GED program, he was down but not out.  

“I went right back to the life that I knew too well,” he said, referring to a probation violation and a short stint back in jail.

In October 2019, Clark earned his GED and since then is challenging much of his energy into promoting the Division’s role in his life and community.

“I understand that our local and state economy, and my own life benefits from the Division’s commitment to students without a GED,” Clark said.