DeKalb Technical College Announces 2008 EAGLE Winner
| West African Abekoe Denkey has been named DeKalb Technical College’s 2008 EAGLE winner. The Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Program celebrates adult learners in pursuit of excellence. The program recognizes and honors students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in statewide adult literacy classes. Adult literacy teachers in public, private, and grantee agencies nominate students at the local program level to participate in the EAGLE recognition program at the state level. Selection criteria include student character, attitude, attendance, leadership and community involvement and activities. From this group, one student is selected to represent the local program at the state EAGLE Leadership Institute. |
|
Abekoe Denkey
|
Mr. Denkey came to the United States from Togo, West Africa in 2004 and enrolled in the ESL Program at Clarkston International Bible Church that same year. He completed the ESL Program and is currently enrolled in the Bridge Class which is a specialized adult literacy program designed for students who want to continue working on reading, writing, and language skills before enrolling in ABE/GED classes.
The educational journey has not been easy for Mr. Denkey. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and had to drop out of school for seven months. When he became well enough, he returned to school while still
receiving chemotherapy and working an evening job. “All adult learners are winners,” says Dr. Martha Coursey, Dean of Adult Literacy Services, “but Abeko’s desire for learning makes him a great inspiration to his teachers and fellow classmates.”
The concept of EAGLE is one designed to create a greater awareness of educational opportunities that are available in local communities across the state and to foster involvement in lifelong learning pursuits. In additional 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 literacy programs. Abekoe Denkey personifies the EAGLE concept as he shares his message. “In America we have the opportunity to go to school however and whenever and as long as we can,” he says. “Never quit school for any reason.”
