February 10, 2026
Southeastern Technical College (STC) is proud to announce two distinguished honors within its Adult Education Program: Alyssa Gailey has been selected as the College’s 2026 EAGLE delegate, and Senecca Underwood has been named Adult Education Teacher of the Year.
Gailey Selected as 2026 EAGLE Delegate
Alyssa Gailey has been chosen to represent Southeastern Technical College Adult Education at the Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Leadership Institute in Atlanta, Georgia. The Leadership Institute recognizes and honors students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education programs across the state.
Sponsored annually by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) through its Office of Adult Education, the EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) Leadership Institute celebrates outstanding adult learners.
Underwood nominated Gailey to serve as Southeastern Tech’s 2026 EAGLE delegate. Both will represent STC Adult Education at the statewide competitions in March. The two-day event celebrating delegates’ accomplishments also offers professional development sessions focused on strengthening leadership, communication, and life management skills. Allison Barr, Instructional Lead for STC Adult Education, serves as STC’s EAGLE coordinator.
“Adult education serves as a catalyst for social and economic mobility by equipping individuals with the skills and credentials necessary for meaningful participation in the workforce and higher education. The impact of adult education extends far beyond the classroom—it strengthens families, communities, and the broader economy,” said Underwood.
“It has been a privilege to witness Mrs. Gailey’s growth—not only academically, but in confidence, self-efficacy, and purpose. She inspires others through her strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to support her peers in the learning process.”
Now a President’s List student in Southeastern Tech’s Business Management Program, Gailey is demonstrating her academic ability and a strong commitment to educational opportunities. She earned her GED in July 2025 and is working toward becoming a certified addiction recovery specialist.
“Obtaining my GED enabled me to pursue this goal,” said Gailey. “I currently work at a nonprofit organization, where I continue to grow professionally while giving back to the community.”
The EAGLE Award was the first statewide program in the nation to recognize and reward excellence among students enrolled in adult education. Since its inception in 1993, the program has recognized more than 1,600 outstanding students. In 2021, the TCSG State Board renamed the award the Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Award in memory of long-time adult education supporter and state board member Dinah Culbreath Wayne.
Underwood Named Adult Education Teacher of the Year
Senecca Underwood has been named STC’s 2026 Adult Education Teacher of the Year.
Susan Cross, Executive Director of Adult Education, commented, “Our Adult Education Teacher of the Year and EAGLE student represent the very heart of Adult Education. Ms. Underwood’s dedication, compassion, and belief in every learner create pathways to success, while our EAGLE recipient, Alyssa Gailey, reminds us that perseverance, courage, and a commitment to growth can change the course of a life. Together, they reflect what is possible when dedicated educators and determined students come together to pursue opportunity, purpose, and lifelong learning.”
Underwood joined Southeastern Tech four years ago after serving two years as an adjunct instructor in the Adult Education Department. She teaches all High School Equivalency (HSE) subjects and English as a Second Language (ESL). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies with minors in ESL and Bilingual Education, as well as a Master of Teacher Education. Fluent in Spanish, Underwood plays a vital role in expanding access to education for non-English-speaking individuals throughout the College’s service area.
“Adult education plays a critical role in advancing workforce readiness, educational equity, and lifelong learning across our communities,” said Underwood. “Supporting adult learners is both a professional responsibility and a profound privilege. Education is not defined by one’s starting point, but by one’s willingness to persist, adapt, and grow. I am honored to have been selected as the Adult Education Teacher of the Year. It’s an honor to be recognized for the positive impact that HSE makes in the lives of students.”
The Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Program celebrates students who pursue excellence, demonstrating it in character, attitude, attendance, leadership, community involvement, and academic achievement. Adult Education teachers nominate students at the local level, and one student is selected to represent each program at the state Leadership Institute.
Individually and collectively, EAGLE delegates tell the Adult Education story in ways no one else can articulate. In addition to serving as role models and mentors, they serve as ambassadors for adult education.
With multiple ways to obtain a High School Equivalency, students may enroll in an Adult Education program at any time.
Photo: Southeastern Technical College’s 2026 EAGLE delegate Alyssa Gailey and Adult Education Instructor Senecca Underwood, STC Adult Education Teacher of the Year 2026
