Queen Meheux is the 2024 Adult Education Teacher of the Year at Gwinnett Technical College. Meheux, who discovered her passion for teaching after completing law school, has been recognized for her unique ability to transfer knowledge and empower her students.
Meheux
Reflecting on her journey, Meheux says: “Teaching for me is about passion, staying current in my field, and caring for the student as a valuable person in the educational process. I aim to empower the students’ experience, allowing them to bring their unique skills and cultural attributes to the ESL program.”
Meheux emphasizes the importance of adult education, noting that adult learners bring diverse backgrounds and motivations to their studies. She believes that investing in adult education strengthens communities and drives economic growth.
“I am beyond grateful for this award and believe it will support my work in adult education at Gwinnett Technical College and my local community. I am proud to be a pioneer in my community for adult education, especially for immigrant adult learners,” Meheux stated.
In addition to her role at Gwinnett Technical College, Meheux is the president and founder of Pathway Institute, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to training and empowering refugees, asylum seekers, and legal permanent residents. She has also volunteered with several organizations, including the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Catholic Charities.
Meheux lives in Lawrenceville with her family and has taught at Gwinnett Tech for 16 years. She has three degrees from Kyiv State University in Ukraine in international law. She also has a degree in law from Wolverhampton in England. She went to the University of Florida for her law education in the states.
Peach State unit to award $277,000 in scholarships
The Peach State FCU C.A.R.E.S. Foundation 2025 scholarship program is now open accepting applications. The Foundation will be awarding over $277,000 in scholarships and educational grants. Application deadline is February 28, 2025. Recipients will be announced in the Spring of 2025.
Demitra Houlis, Peach State’s chief administrative officer and Foundation president, says: “Our scholarship program is available for graduating high school seniors and adult members attending college, trade/tech schools, or taking classes for career advancement.” As annual education costs continue to rise, this program helps mitigate some of the financial burdens they face with pursuing their degree.
In recognition of the credit union’s deep roots in education, the scholarship program honors Peach State FCU’s founders, past and present board members and employees, and the lifetime achievements of numerous distinguished school system and community leaders. For more information, eligibility criteria and to apply, visit peachstatefcu.org/scholarships.
Water Tower plans breakfast panel on next disaster
Join The Water Tower on December 10 at 7 a.m. for a breakfast panel on how Georgia’s emergency services are looking ahead to the next potential disaster and what and how Georgia can prepare for it. Hosted by The Water Tower and Georgia American Water Works Association, the morning of discussion will focus on how Georgia’s emergency services are looking ahead to the next potential disaster and how Georgians can prepare as water and emergency service professionals.
The panelists will include:
- Katherine Atteberry, stormwater planning manager, Metro North Georgia Water Planning District;
- Major General Thomas Moore, Georgia Emergency Management Agency;
- Angelique Young, division director, Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources; and
- Chris Boyd, water utility manager, City of Roswell, and chair, Georgia AWWA.
West
West is new Gwinnett Historical Society president
Newly-announced president of the Gwinnett Historical Society is Jason West. He will be installed as new president at the December 9 meeting of the Society. Other officers include Beverly Paff, vice president; Diane McCormic, recording secretary; Sandy Lee, corresponding secretary; Richard Lux, treasurer; Betty Warbington, assistant treasurer; and the following trustees: Kathryn Baskin, Brandon Hembree and Charlotte Nash.
10 GGC staff members win Top Claw award
GGC President Jann L. Joseph presents Ryan Smith with a Top Claw award.
Georgia Gwinnett College has presented 10 members of the staff with the Top Claw Award for 2024.
GGC President Jann L. Joseph says: “Our 2024 Top Claw Recipients are just a few examples of the many contributions of our faculty and staff across campus. Without each of them, GGC cannot achieve excellence.”
Top Claw Award winners consistently go above and beyond the call of duty, contribute to the success of GGC and their departments, support and reinforce the college’s mission and vision, and exemplify its core values of integrity, excellence, accountability and respect. Winners are selected from nominations from colleagues.
This year’s Top Claw Award winners include:
- Dr. Kristi Amatucci, professor of literacy education in the School of Education;
- Ryan Smith, assistant director of Student Life and Belonging;
- Laura Brown, assistant director of Donor and Board Relations in Advancement;
- Dr. Beth Cavalier, professor of sociology in the School of Liberal Arts;
- Dr. David Dorrell, associate professor of geography in the School of Liberal Arts;
- Dr. Jake Edwards, assistant professor of English in the School of Liberal Arts and director of the Honors Program;
- Ben Hines, program engagement associate in the School of Business;
- Dr. David Kerven, professor of information technology in the School of Science and Technology;
- Dr. Rashad Simmons, associate professor of chemistry in the School of Science and Technology; and
- Huy-Ngoc Truong, administrative assistant II in the School of Science and Technology.
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