LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – Gwinnett Technical College announces Keon Adderly of Lilburn as the College’s 2026 EAGLE Award winner. The EAGLE Award, which stands for Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education, recognizes adult education students across Georgia who show outstanding achievement and leadership.
“Being named the EAGLE winner means everything to my family and me. It shows that hard work pays off,” Adderly said.
Adderly’s journey to this honor reflects extraordinary resilience. He was born in Miami, Florida, and moved to Atlanta in 2012. In September 2022, he survived a life-threatening shooting that required lengthy hospitalization, including eight weeks in the intensive care unit and additional time in rehabilitation. When he returned home, he faced the loss of his home, car, and engagement. Battling depression, seizures, and substance use, he sought help through the Nspire program, where mentors helped him rebuild stability and confidence.
Determined to change his life, Adderly began studying for his GED. After coming to Gwinnett Technical College to test, he learned about the Take Ten program, which allows students to earn a GED and a certificate at the same time. Within a few months, he achieved his GED and earned a certificate in Small Business Entrepreneurship.
Adderly is now enrolled at Gwinnett Tech pursuing an associate degree in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. He plans to work in the field for one to two years to gain experience, then open his own HVAC business to support himself and his family.
“Gwinnett Tech helped me build a future I never thought was possible,” Adderly said.
As the College’s EAGLE representative, Adderly will advance to the statewide EAGLE competition, share his story, and advocate for adult education across Georgia.
The Technical College System of Georgia, through its Office of Adult Education, sponsors the annual Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Leadership Institute. EAGLE is the first statewide program in the nation to recognize and reward excellence among students enrolled in adult education programs. The student recognition program is designed to increase awareness of educational opportunities in local communities and foster greater involvement in lifelong learning pursuits.