News
CLCP Awards Inaugural Mary Edmondson Scholarship
October 13 2011
Members of the Edmondson family present Kavindra Anderson with the Mary Edmondson Memorial Scholarship
Mary Edmondson, who was the Director of Adult Education at West Georgia Technical College – LaGrange, was a very learned lady who viewed education as a goal or target as much as she viewed it as a process. She loved knowledge and was incredibly proud of her education, not necessarily because of the accomplishment itself but because she understood the intrinsic effort and gains that come with education.
To honor Mary’s legacy of learning and commitment to education, Troup County Certified Literate Community Program has created the Mary Edmondson Memorial Scholarship. Awarded annually, the scholarship is presented to a student who is enrolled in the Adult Education program at West Georgia Technical College – LaGrange.
Mary Edmondson would be proud to know the first recipient of the scholarship truly exemplifies many of the same traits such as perseverance, commitment, cooperation and a true passion for learning that she will always be remembered for.
Sometimes life is about being in the right place at the right time. Seeking new opportunities, Kavindra Anderson moved to LaGrange in 1998, leaving her northern California roots behind. She has always appreciated the value of education but, until recently, everyday life had prevented her from pursuing a GED. “With 3 kids and work, it was hard to find the time to attend class,” said Anderson.
Finally, the timing was right for Kavindra and she enrolled in the adult education classes at West Georgia Technical College. Jewel Albright, a math instructor in the department, recalled her first meeting with Anderson saying, “I knew when I first met Kavindra, she was a very bright young lady. And when I learned she wanted to pursue a degree in Registered Nursing, I was certain she had the skills and desire to succeed.”
Although she was almost ready to take the GED test, Kavindra wondered how she would come up with the $95 fee required. In another instance of perfect timing, Kavindra one day heard Debbie Burdette, Executive Director of Troup County Certified Literacy Community Program (CLCP), discuss a new scholarship available to students ready to take the GED test.
“When I finished my visit with the class, Kavindra followed me back to my office to tell me how much she wanted and deserved the new scholarship,” said Burdette as she recalled her introduction to Anderson. “I knew from the sound of her voice as she mentioned her commitment not only to education but also to providing a good example for her children, that Kavindra was worthy of this award.”
Recently, Edmondson’s family gathered for a ceremony recognizing Kavindra Anderson as the first recipient of the Mary Edmondson Memorial Scholarship. Susan Prestridge, Lead Instructor, recalled Edmondson’s commitment to the success of students and acknowledged her presence saying, “I know Mary is looking down with pride as we present Kavindra with this award. Kavindra demonstrates the perseverance and passion for learning that were important to Mary.”
For Kavindra Anderson the time to continue her education was now. “I am grateful for this award. Earning my GED was very important to me and I hope my success will serve as an example to my children and others that it is never too late for education.”
Awarded annually, the Mary Edmondson Memorial Scholarship is presented to a student enrolled in the Adult Education program at West Georgia Technical College - LaGrange. The student, having completed all preparatory work and deemed ready to take the GED exam, must be recommended by an Adult Education instructor. The successful candidate will also exemplify many of the same traits such as perseverance, commitment, cooperation and a true passion for learning, that Mary will always be remembered for.
To honor Mary’s legacy of learning and commitment to education, Troup County Certified Literate Community Program has created the Mary Edmondson Memorial Scholarship. Awarded annually, the scholarship is presented to a student who is enrolled in the Adult Education program at West Georgia Technical College – LaGrange.
Mary Edmondson would be proud to know the first recipient of the scholarship truly exemplifies many of the same traits such as perseverance, commitment, cooperation and a true passion for learning that she will always be remembered for.
Sometimes life is about being in the right place at the right time. Seeking new opportunities, Kavindra Anderson moved to LaGrange in 1998, leaving her northern California roots behind. She has always appreciated the value of education but, until recently, everyday life had prevented her from pursuing a GED. “With 3 kids and work, it was hard to find the time to attend class,” said Anderson.
Finally, the timing was right for Kavindra and she enrolled in the adult education classes at West Georgia Technical College. Jewel Albright, a math instructor in the department, recalled her first meeting with Anderson saying, “I knew when I first met Kavindra, she was a very bright young lady. And when I learned she wanted to pursue a degree in Registered Nursing, I was certain she had the skills and desire to succeed.”
Although she was almost ready to take the GED test, Kavindra wondered how she would come up with the $95 fee required. In another instance of perfect timing, Kavindra one day heard Debbie Burdette, Executive Director of Troup County Certified Literacy Community Program (CLCP), discuss a new scholarship available to students ready to take the GED test.
“When I finished my visit with the class, Kavindra followed me back to my office to tell me how much she wanted and deserved the new scholarship,” said Burdette as she recalled her introduction to Anderson. “I knew from the sound of her voice as she mentioned her commitment not only to education but also to providing a good example for her children, that Kavindra was worthy of this award.”
Recently, Edmondson’s family gathered for a ceremony recognizing Kavindra Anderson as the first recipient of the Mary Edmondson Memorial Scholarship. Susan Prestridge, Lead Instructor, recalled Edmondson’s commitment to the success of students and acknowledged her presence saying, “I know Mary is looking down with pride as we present Kavindra with this award. Kavindra demonstrates the perseverance and passion for learning that were important to Mary.”
For Kavindra Anderson the time to continue her education was now. “I am grateful for this award. Earning my GED was very important to me and I hope my success will serve as an example to my children and others that it is never too late for education.”
Awarded annually, the Mary Edmondson Memorial Scholarship is presented to a student enrolled in the Adult Education program at West Georgia Technical College - LaGrange. The student, having completed all preparatory work and deemed ready to take the GED exam, must be recommended by an Adult Education instructor. The successful candidate will also exemplify many of the same traits such as perseverance, commitment, cooperation and a true passion for learning, that Mary will always be remembered for.