SAVANNAH, Ga. – Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) will be honored at the 20th annual Opportunity Award Gala, Thursday, April 3, 2025. The event, hosted by the Savannah Technical College Foundation, honors deserving leaders and businesses in the local community for a lifetime of service in creating and enhancing opportunities for others to succeed.

The STC Foundation will honor GPA for its transformative economic impact for the region, commitment to workforce development, and pivotal role in advancing Georgia as a global logistics leader and a top state for business.

The event gathers community and civic leaders for a celebratory evening honoring a special individual or organization. The evening also showcases the talents of students enrolled in Savannah Technical College’s award-winning Culinary Arts programs. Past recipients include: Former Governor Zell Miller, Arnold Tenenbaum, Judge Griffin Bell, Tom Coleman, Dick Eckburg, Arthur M. Gignilliat, Jr., Bob and Alice Jepson, Howard Morrison, Stratton Leopold, Chef Jean Vendeville, Ted Kleisner, Kevin “Catfish” Jackson, Dr. Bill Cathcart, Chef Mashama Bailey, and Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.

The event is a fundraiser for the Savannah Technical College Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that raises funds to support Savannah Technical College. STC Foundation Board members are leading the fundraising efforts. For ticket and sponsorship information, visit savannahtech.edu/gala or contact Jennifer Ratner at jratner@savannahtech.edu.

Founded in 1984, the Savannah Technical College Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization that exists to raise and disburse funds to support the College’s efforts to enhance learning, workforce training and economic development in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties. The Foundation also supports student success through its many privately funded scholarships.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Georgia’s ports and inland terminals support more than 561,000 jobs throughout the state annually, contributing $33 billion in income, $140 billion in revenue, and $3.8 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy. GPA anticipates investing $4.2 billion in the next ten years as part of its port master plan to expand cargo handling capabilities to support future supply chain requirements. As part of GPA’s community engagement efforts, $6 million will be donated to communities located near the Port of Savannah to support a multi-year, local workforce housing initiative. CNBC ranked Georgia #1 in the U.S. for infrastructure in America’s Top States for Business in 2024. Area Development – a site selection news outlet for the U.S., has ranked Georgia as the Top State to Do Business for 11 consecutive years. More information about Georgia Ports Authority is available at gaports.com.

#2522 | January 10, 2025

Savannah, Ga. – Savannah Technical College has selected Jovena Anne Velose Michel as its 2025 Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) recipient. Her inspiring journey of perseverance and dedication reflects the mission of STC’s Adult Education program, which empowers students to achieve their educational and professional goals.

Originally from Haiti, Michel achieved her GED® through STC’s Adult Education program, passing all four required subjects – math, science, reading, and language arts – in less than six months. This remarkable accomplishment was fueled by her determination to continue her education and fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse.

“Jovena’s story exemplifies the resilience and ambition we strive to nurture in all of our students,” said STC President Dr. Ryan Foley. “She is a shining example of how education can transform lives and open doors to limitless opportunities.”

Michel’s path to obtaining her GED was not without challenges. After earning her CNA license, she sought to advance her education but faced a significant obstacle: providing proof of a high school diploma. Obtaining her high school transcripts from Haiti proved nearly impossible, prompting her to enroll in STC’s Adult Education program. “The program gave me the opportunity to keep moving forward toward my goals,” she said.

Her passion for nursing stems from deeply personal experiences. As one of five siblings, including a fraternal twin sister who requires daily medical care, she has witnessed the urgent need for compassionate and knowledgeable medical professionals. “Seeing my sister’s suffering and the neglect others face in hospitals inspired me to pursue a career where I can make a difference,” she said. “Becoming a nurse is one way I can help.”

Michel’s aspirations go beyond patient care. She is applying to STC’s newly launched Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program and ultimately plans to earn an MBA to become a nurse administrator. “I want to be part of the team that ensures hospitals run efficiently so that every patient receives the care they need,” she explained. “Step by step, I am building the foundation for a career that combines hands-on experience and leadership in the medical field.”

The EAGLE Leadership Institute recognizes and honors those students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes. EAGLE is the first statewide program in the nation that recognizes and rewards excellence among students enrolled in adult education programs. This student recognition program is designed to create greater awareness of educational opportunities available in local communities across the state and to foster greater involvement in lifelong learning pursuits.

Every EAGLE delegate is considered an ambassador and spokesperson for literacy serving local communities and the state by promoting lifelong learning. Since its inception in 1993, the EAGLE Award program has recognized more than 1,600 outstanding students across the state. In addition to serving as volunteer role models for family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers, EAGLE delegates serve as mentors, peer tutors, and recruiters of other students into local adult education programs. The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) through its Office of Adult Education sponsors the annual EAGLE Leadership Institute.

Savannah Tech’s Adult Education Program offers high school equivalency (HiSET/GED/Career Plus High School Diploma) preparation and testing, adult literacy programs, English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, civics education, family literacy programs, and workforce training.

Free GED® prep serves those who need to improve their basic literacy and math skills, improve their oral and written English, practice for the GED® test to attain a high school equivalency degree, and prepare for college. Instructors also help students with science and social studies test preparation for GED® testing. STC teaches adult education classes in the morning, afternoon, evening and online. They are offered in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties with multiple locations in each community. Adult education classes for GED®-prep are currently free for all U.S. citizens. To register for free GED® classes, call 912.443.5446 or visit www.savannahtech.edu/FreeGEDClasses. For GED® testing information, go to www.ged.com to sign up to take test or go to www.savannahtech.edu/testingcenter to learn more about our testing locations.

#2521 | January 8, 2025

Savannah, GA – Savannah Technical College has selected Kameron Vincent as its 2025 Adult Education Instructor of the Year. A dedicated and innovative ESL instructor, Vincent exemplifies the transformative power of education and the profound impact one teacher can have on an entire community.

“Ms. Vincent’s teaching goes beyond language instruction,” said STC President Dr. Ryan Foley. “She creates immersive learning experiences that not only help students achieve linguistic proficiency but also build critical thinking skills and real-world competencies. Her dedication and compassion inspire her students to achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to our community.”

She has been a cornerstone of STC’s Adult Education program for the past three years, where she teaches English as a Second Language (ESL) with a unique blend of rigor, creativity, and cultural sensitivity. Her approach to teaching reflects a lifelong passion for language and cultural understanding, paired with an unwavering commitment to her students’ success.

Her instructional methods draw from innovative approaches such as Suggestopedia, Content-Based Instruction, Task-Based Learning, and Project-Based Learning. These methodologies create a dynamic and engaging classroom environment tailored to the diverse needs of adult learners. Beyond language skills, her students develop the confidence and tools they need for personal and professional success.

Her work in Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs highlights her commitment to workforce development in Georgia. By combining language instruction with vocational training in fields such as hospitality and forklift operation, she equips her students with the skills necessary to thrive in Georgia’s growing industries. This integrated approach ensures that her students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the workforce while achieving greater self-sufficiency.

Savannah Tech’s Adult Education Program offers high school equivalency (HiSET/GED/Career Plus High School Diploma) preparation and testing, adult literacy programs, English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, civics education, family literacy programs, and workforce training.

Free GED® prep serves those who need to improve their basic literacy and math skills, improve their oral and written English, practice for the GED® test to attain a high school equivalency degree, and prepare for college. Instructors also help students with science and social studies test preparation for GED® testing. STC teaches adult education classes in the morning, afternoon, evening and online. They are offered in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties with multiple locations in each community. Adult education classes for GED®-prep are currently free for all U.S. citizens. To register for free GED® classes, call 912.443.5446 or visit www.savannahtech.edu/FreeGEDClasses. For GED® testing information, go to www.ged.com to sign up to take test or go to www.savannahtech.edu/testingcenter to learn more about our testing locations.

#2520 | January 8, 2025