Adams is currently working towards an Associates Degree at Georgia Military College in Behavioral Science and plans to graduate in Spring of 2009.

Payton said the GED and adult literacy program at VTC are some of the best kept programs in South Georgia.

An essay contest for students in the adult education classes will be judged by Mayor John Fretti, City Manager Larry Hanson and Mayor Pro-Tem Willie T. Head Jr. The winning essay will be read at a city council meeting and the winner will receive $50.

Payton hopes to have the essays judged at this Thursday’s City Council meeting.

“Then the winner will come back and read the essay at the Sept. 11 meeting,” Payton said.

On International Literacy Day members from the city and county government will go to VTC’s East Campus to talk with adult learners about their political duties and the duties of the citizens, Payton said.

Mayor Pro Tem Head has already agreed to attend, Payton said.

On Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., VTC in partnership with Diana McAlroy of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Literacy Fair at Sam’s Club.

The event will have activities for children including face painting and a coloring contest.

Donations of gently used or new children’s or chapter books will get a non-Sam’s club member into the store.

In the SDA service area, which incorporates Lowndes and the surrounding counties, 1,086 people took part in the adult education program in 2008, he said.