Editor, The Times: South Georgia State College and Coastal Pines Technical College are such “educational dreams come true.’’
Tuesday night I was honored as a grandmother to witness the honoring of my Allie Carter’s being third in her mechanical engineering class at South Georgia State College. She represents the third generation in my family studying at this remarkable campus, which is architecturally beautiful and spread with the beauty of South Georgia pines. Others in my family have also studied at the college.
My oldest son McCoy Carter Jr. received a dual degree from former Waycross College and Okefenokee Technical Institute in 1983 and went back to Okefenokee Institute (now Coastal Pines Technical College) to teach computers in 1990—1995.
In 1993, Dr. James Dye, first president of the then Waycross College, called me to invite my family to be recognized on June graduation day as all four of my wonderful children graduated from this institution and went on to other universities to complete their studies leading to successful careers. My youngest, Roman N. Carter, was the June, 1993 graduate. Other children include McCoy Carter Jr., Andrea DeLoach and Kim Fields. Their father McCoy Carter Sr. attended this memorable 1993 graduation and in just a few weeks he was called home in August to be with our Lord.
Sitting in the most attractive building this April evening, I felt a sense of wanting to return to college studies. I also studied various classes there and loved the atmosphere of peaceful learning and dedication. Professors, teachers I found to be excellent—all dedicated leaders in many fields of learning. And there were times in years past when I sat in my car in the parking lot waiting for my two daughters to finish classes. At that time they didn’t have cars, so I enjoyed the waits as I could breathe in the beauty of the campus and watch other students leaving for home or arriving for studies.
Now age 86, I go way back in the educational circle. After graduating in 1958 at age 18 from Waycross High School, I entered the off-campus center of the University of Georgia on Mary Street then and enjoyed classes to further my own journalistic career. I believe this off-campus center located on Mary Street was the “baby’’ of Waycross College/South Georgia State College. Yes?
I never had to “make’’ my children attend college. They just knew I always said, “A good education opens doors to desired careers and good lives.’’ I am very thankful each took this phrase seriously. Surely I must praise all teachers in Pierce County Schools for their dedicated teaching for my children and so many thousands. Ware County is so honored for its educational emphasis and great teachers.
I am a very proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. And, I owe my appreciation and many thanks to the great teachers in these remarkable learning institutions— South Georgia State College and Coastal Pines Technical College.
To me all teachers and professors of these great learning institutions should be presented Academic Achievement Awards— every day!
Nickie Carter Blackshear
