WGTC Students Take Top Honors at National Business Conference

Marcy Heath/Insurance Solutions of the South has been recognized by the Health Insurance Marketplace® for enrolling over 500 consumers in qualified health plans during this Open Enrollment Period. Due to Marcy Heath’s/Insurance Solutions of the South’s success, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is recognizing her as an Elite Plus Member of the 2024 Marketplace Circle of Champions. This award only goes to the highest-enrolling agents and brokers and is the top level in the Marketplace Circle of Champions program.

“We thank Marcy Heath/Insurance Solutions of the South for their dedication to providing exceptional service and helping consumers access coverage,” said Ellen Montz, Director of the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight within CMS, which oversees the Marketplace.

“Agents and brokers are important partners to CMS in our shared goal of helping expand access to coverage across the nation.” “I am truly honored and humbled to be recognized by CMS as a Marketplace Circle of Champions member and truly appreciate the trust our clients have bestowed to us,” commented Marcy Heath, CEO of Insurance Solutions of the South.

This year’s Open Enrollment Period for applying for Marketplace coverage runs from November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024. Consumers who would like help enrolling or have questions about their coverage can contact Marcy Heath/Insurance Solutions of the South by calling 770.537.5300.

It was a spirit of giving and philanthropy that led to building west Georgia’s first hospital — Tanner Memorial Hospital in Carrollton. It established a tradition of supporting health care that continues today through Tanner Medical Foundation and generous people like Susan Fleck.

Late last month, Tanner Medical Foundation honored Fleck for her more than 30 years of volunteerism, advocacy and generosity with the foundation’s Spirit of Giving Award.

Fleck received the award at a donor reception at the Depot on Bradley Street in Carrollton. The event recognized and celebrated the annual donors who have made a lasting impact in supporting Tanner Health.

Fleck became the 12th person to receive the Spirit of Giving Award since its inception in 2011. The award acknowledged Fleck’s dedication, selflessness and incredible generosity toward Tanner Medical Foundation and the Tanner Health community.

Fleck’s involvement with Tanner dates back to the creation of the foundation. In 1990, she was crucial in organizing the volunteer-led black tie gala, the Magnolia Ball. The first gala raised an outstanding $220,000, establishing the health system’s first cardiac catheterization lab. Over the course of 29 years, the Magnolia Ball raised more than $11 million for Tanner’s health services and enhancements — and became a premier social event in the process.

Reflecting on her years spent with Tanner, Fleck shared her rewarding experiences.

“Volunteering at Tanner has been incredibly fulfilling, thanks to the amazing people I’ve met,” said Fleck. “From the inspiring patients fighting through challenges, to the dedicated staff working tirelessly to help others, Tanner is a place where people find comfort. The bond between those in need of care and those providing it is truly special. It creates a tapestry of hope and support.”

Fleck embodies the true spirit of giving and continues to make a profound impact not just on the lives of Tanner patients, but also on the residents of west Georgia and beyond.

Fleck said receiving the Spirit of Giving Award was humbling and a great honor. She recognizes that she is just one among many amazing volunteers who contribute their time and talents to Tanner every day.

Fleck expressed her gratitude to Tanner president and CEO Loy Howard, as well as the foundation’s founding president and CEO, Denise Taylor and the entire Tanner Medical Foundation past and present, for allowing her to be involved and serve. Through her volunteer work, her life has been enriched in unimaginable ways.

Tanner Medical Foundation is grateful to its generous donors and community partners who support the mission of enhancing care and increasing access to health care for local patients. The success of this year’s Spirit of Giving Donor Reception would not have been possible without the support of HRC Engineers, Surveyors & Landscape Architects (Premier Sponsor) and Tommy’s Express Car Wash (Signature Sponsor).

The Carrollton Center for the Arts will celebrate Oscar winner (and former Carrollton resident) Susan Hayward with a showing of the film that first brought her to Georgia, I’d Climb the Highest Mountain, January 7 at 2pm.

In the 1951 film, which was shot in and around Dawsonville and Cleveland, Georgia, Methodist minister William Thompson (William Lundigan) moves to a rural town in the Blue Ridge Mountains with his wife, Mary Elizabeth (Hayward). The townspeople have doubts about the new minister and he must also help his city-raised wife adjust to life in the country. As he leads his congregation through hardships, including an epidemic leading to some deaths, he proves his worth as a pastor. The film had its world premiere at Atlanta’s Paramount Theater in 1951. Hayward attended and was honored by the Georgia Senate, which issued a resolution making her an “adopted daughter of Georgia.”

“We are honored to have this annual opportunity to pay tribute to this remarkable actor who once called Carrollton home,” said Carrollton Center for the Arts Manager Tim Chapman.

Hayward lived in Carrollton with her husband, local businessman Eaton Chalkley, from 1957 until 1966. She won the Academy Award for her role in 1958’s I Want To Live! while living here and was presented with the key to the city upon her return to Carrollton from the Oscar ceremonies. The center hosts a showing of one of her films each year in January.

Tickets are $5 (includes water and popcorn) and can be purchased online at carrolltonarts.com, by phone at 770-838-1083 or at the center’s box office at 251 Alabama Street.

What: Susan Hayward Tribute Film: I’d Climb the Highest Mountain

When: January 7, 2024 / 2pm

Where: Carrollton Center for the Arts

For questions concerning this event or the Carrollton Center for the Arts, please call (770) 838-1083.

At 75 years old, honor graduate Catherine Higgins achieved a milestone that stands as a testament to the adage, “It’s never too late”, after recently graduating from West Georgia Technical College (WGTC).

Upon graduating high school in 1966, Higgins worked in law firms in both Wisconsin and Arizona. Inspired by the work ethic and legal abilities of those in the firms she worked for, Higgins continued with a 28-year career with the Department of Justice where she learned the ins and outs of the legal system.

In 2014, Higgins’ passion and knowledge of law propelled her to begin her college career, choosing WGTC for an Associate Degree in General Studies with a concentration in criminal justice.

“Many of my family members have degrees, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could too,” said Higgins. “When our children were preparing to get their degrees, I started night classes after work. I wanted to set an example for them.”

Higgins’ unhindered determination set her apart in her classes. Louis Shepard, department chair and instructor of WGTC’s criminal justice program, said Higgins excelled in her criminal justice courses, even being the sole student to earn an A in one course. Other classes, such as college algebra and statistics, proved to be more of a challenge when adapting to fully online classes. Her math professor, Lisa Gooden, said Higgins worked harder than many of her classmates.

“Although she [Higgins] was an online student, I could tell that she was very special,” said Gooden. “She used her resources and never hesitated to contact me for help, always truly wanting to learn. She is diligent and very persistent; I find so much inspiration from her.”

Higgins was not alone in her college journey. Her family helped her along the way, together they learned how to use software or programs that were used in her courses. She also received encouragement and support from her fellow classmates.

“I was quite nervous to start, but the students were completely accepting of me,” she said. “I was just another student. We each had a different story, but we all had the same dream: an education and a college degree.”

To highlight her extraordinary success, Higgins was asked to represent her graduating class and speak during the graduation ceremony in LaGrange. In her speech, she encouraged her fellow graduates to be kind, be happy, be adventurous and to be grateful.

Her family flew in from across the U.S. to help celebrate, filling the audience with large cutouts of her face as Higgins lead the turning of the tassels – a symbolic moment representing the end of one era and the beginning of another.

“We welcome students every semester from ages 14 to 80,” said WGTC President Dr. Julie Post. “It is an honor that Mrs. Higgins chose West Georgia Tech to be a partner in her journey. We could not be prouder of her incredible accomplishment as she is true testament to perseverance and success.”

As for what’s next, Higgins says she is looking forward to applying to college again to obtain her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, hinting at the idea of attending school at St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame.

“When I was taking classes, people would always ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I’d say, ‘a college graduate!’” said Higgins. “I have had a wonderful, full life and wouldn’t change a day of it. Maybe because I was always working toward a goal to fulfill my dream. The one thing you have is your dreams –and none of those dreams are beyond your reach, no matter how old you are.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, please visit www.westgatech.edu.

CARROLLTON, GA – West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) admissions counselor Vickie Smith is set to retire at the end of December after 38 years of working in student affairs.

After enrolling in classes in what was then Carroll Technical Institute, Smith began working in the Financial Aid, Registrar and Admissions office beginning in September 1985.

During Smith’s tenure, she has seen WGTC’s growth firsthand. Since 1985, the College has opened four new campuses, undergone several name changes, and has added over 100 innovative programs and degrees to its curriculum.

WGTC Admissions Director Lori Basham, who has worked alongside Smith since 1997, said she has always been impressed with Smith’s ability to remember each student that she has helped over the years.

“At a recent graduation, a student asked me if I worked for WGTC in 1999,” said Basham. “I said yes, but I didn’t remember her, however Vickie immediately did and knew small things about her. That is what is so special about Vickie; she really cares and is so dedicated to WGTC.”

Aside from her ability to connect with students, Smith was regarded as the go-to person for any question about student affairs or WGTC. Smith’s colleagues said they could always rely on her to know the answer.

“She remembers significant changes or occurrences that happened years ago and can help those who have not been here as long,” said Basham. “She knows the history of why something is like it is.”

At the College’s recent professional development day, Smith was honored by WGTC President, Dr. Julie Post with a Dedication Award for providing exceptional service to her role, department, and college.

“Vickie has dedicated her entire career, 38 years, to West Georgia Technical College,” said Post. “Her commitment and profound impact have significantly shaped WGTC through her undeniable passion and expertise.”

The Dedication Award is one of five president’s awards given each year. Winners are chosen by Dr. Post from a pool of nominations by faculty and staff. This year, Smith received more nominations than anyone else – a true testament to the mark she’s leaving on her colleagues.

“I’ve met so many different people while working here that helped me along the way that I will miss,” said Smith. “I never applied for any other job during the past 38 years. I never wanted to work anywhere else.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, please visit www.westgatech.edu.