The Emanuel Retired Educators Association (EREA) held its final meeting for 2022-23 on May 17, at the beautiful Sudie A. Fulford Center on the campus of East Georgia State College. Harley Smith, East Georgia State College Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, welcomed the group. Following a delicious meal prepared by College Dining Services, EREA President Jean Schwabe called the meeting to order and conducted a brief business meeting.
Following the business session, EREA Scholarship Committee members Syvetta Young, Dr. John Derden, and Lynn Torrance recognized the 2022-23 scholarship recipient, Madison Grimm. Grimm proudly accepted the $1000 scholarship and will be heading to Georgia Southern University in the fall majoring in elementary education. Her parents, Kristie and Curt Grimm joined her for the presentation.
Dr. Connie Cooper, GREA Area 6 Director, then installed the incoming officers. In her installation ceremony, Dr. Cooper used a spice of life analogy. She shared, “It is said that variety is the spice of life. If we think about it, that's the way it is with this organization: a variety of personalities and talents add spice to the group so that its aims and achievements are pleasing to all members.” The 2023-24 officers include Judy Hendrix, President; Verdell Brinson, President-elect; Toney Golden, Secretary; Lena Nwakudu, Treasurer; and Jean Schwabe, Immediate Past President. EREA has had a wonderful year, and members look forward, with keen anticipation, to gathering again in September.