WGTC EAGLE Delegate and Outstanding Teacher of the Year Advance as State Finalists
NEWNAN, GA – West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) is proud to announce that Adult Education student Shaw Orange and instructor Trisha Pomerville will represent the college as state finalists at the Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Leadership Institute, March 9–11, in Atlanta. Orange was selected as WGTC’s Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) winner, and Pomerville was named the college’s Adult Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year (OTOTY). Both will compete for state titles, with winners announced during the leadership institute.
As WGTC’s EAGLE delegate, Orange represents the very best of adult education students across the state. Nominated by his instructor and academic mentor, Stephanie Nix, Orange was praised for his analytical thinking, curiosity, and determination.
“Throughout my career as an educator, Shaw is one of the top students I have ever had the pleasure of teaching,” said Nix. “He is not only a high achiever but a true scholar who elevates the learning environment for his peers.”
While pursuing his GED, Orange simultaneously enrolled in WGTC’s Accelerated Nurse Aide certificate program, successfully completing both and crossing the stage twice in consecutive evenings—first as an Adult Education graduate earning his GED and the very next night as a certificate graduate. Since then, he has launched his career in the medical field with a part-time position at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Newnan while continuing his education in WGTC’s Healthcare Management degree program.
The EAGLE program is the first statewide initiative in the nation to recognize and reward excellence among adult education students. The annual Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Leadership Institute, sponsored by the Technical College System of Georgia’s Office of Adult Education, honors students who exemplify achievement, leadership, and commitment to lifelong learning.
Pomerville, WGTC’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year, has nearly 25 years of teaching experience and has served as a dedicated English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor at WGTC for more than five years. Her career has taken her from teaching overseas in Japan to classrooms across the United States, bringing global perspective and innovative strategies to her students. She has also expanded her instructional role to include Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE), designing engaging lessons that connect language acquisition with civic and community involvement.
The Adult Education OTOY program is designed to recognize and honor outstanding teachers who make significant contributions to the field through instruction, innovation, and leadership. Honorees actively participate in school and community activities, demonstrate a strong commitment to the Adult Education profession, and exemplify excellence in service to students. The OTOY also reflects a deep dedication to the mission of the Office of Adult Education (OAE).
“It is my distinct pleasure to recommend Mrs. Pomerville for this award,” said Rebecca Wheeler, Dean of Adult Education at WGTC. “She consistently demonstrates professionalism, innovation, and a deep commitment to student success. Her passion for teaching and dedication to adult education embody the core values of our mission.”
West Georgia Technical College is proud to have both a student and an instructor representing the institution at the state level and looks forward to celebrating their continued success at the Leadership Institute in Atlanta.
