HCWA Honors Second Annual Citizen Academy Graduates
The Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) celebrated the graduation of its second annual Citizen Academy class this summer, with 15 Henry County residents taking part in a six-part overview of the utility’s facilities, operations, and staff of water professionals.
The second annual HCWA Citizen Academy featured three classes covering topics titled: “Where does my water come from,” “HCWA planning and operations,” and “How to become a water advocate.” In addition, Citizen Academy graduates attended three VIP tours of HCWA facilities, including the Indian Creek Water Reclamation Facility, the Tussahaw Water Treatment Plant, and the Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center.
During the opening session, participants learned about the Authority’s history, the utility’s assets above and below ground, the various departments and staff that comprise the organization, as well as the industry awards the utility has received during its 60-plus years in operation.
The second classroom session covered HCWA master planning, plan review, finances, and other department functions.
The final class of the HCWA Citizen Academy offered attendees insights on how they can protect water quality, help prevent water pollution, as well as how to practice wise water use through conservation tips and other measures. The last class also featured a final exam to test each participant’s knowledge of the Authority and its role in the community, followed by a graduation ceremony and gift items that included free fishing permits and other HCWA swag.
According to the exit interviews conducted at the conclusion of the program, Citizen Academy alumni expressed strong support for the program and praise for the Authority’s professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication to the community.
“I liked that the information provided was easy to follow for people who are not well versed in the water process,” says Brandi Jackson, a 2023 HCWA Citizen Academy Graduate. “The site tour was awesome, and (HCWA employees) clearly love their community and jobs. The work they do is important and very inspiring.”
HCWA Citizen Academy Graduate Gregory Heyward recommended getting more people involved in the program, noting its value and the benefits of citizens becoming more engaged with the utility and community.
“The HCWA Citizen Academy was an excellent way to get citizens the basic understanding of how the water authority works and where our money is being spent,” says Heyward. “The more people who attend the class, the more you get the word out about what needs to be done to improve the system.”
Finally, Adrienne Coleman noted how much effort was invested in the preparation and planning of the event and how that reflected a “first-class” organization.
“This event was such an eye opener, and I thank you all so much,” she says. “I love the passion that the staff has for what they do. It’s contagious.”
The 2023 HCWA Citizen Academy Graduates included:
* Nya Anderson
* Jamaine Banks
* Willie Canidate
* Adrienne Coleman
* Joy Dunbar
* Glendora Dvine
* Kayla Dvine
* Glenda Hargrove
* Gregory Heyward
* Brandi Jackson
* Tammy Lenoir
* Roque Romero
* Joseph Scott
* Don Veum
* James Young
For more information on opportunities for public involvement, please visit our website's Community & Education pages here, and photo galleries of this year's Citizen Academy are available here.
Captions for Photos (Top to Bottom):
1. The 2023 HCWA Citizen Academy graduating class.
2. Dustin Powell (far left), HCWA Operator at the Indian Creek Water Reclamation Facility, leads Citizen Academy participants on a tour of this state-of-the-art wastewater plant.
3. Mike Curry (far left), HCWA Operator, leads the 2023 Citizen Academy class on a tour of the Tussahaw Water Treatment Plant, which is a past winner of the industry’s Water Plant of the Year Award in Georgia.
4. Naturalist Lorenzo Bennett (far right on tractor) leads a hayride tour of the Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center during the 2023 HCWA Citizen Academy.
5. The 2023 class of the HCWA Citizen Academy enjoys a boat tour of the Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center and Long Branch Reservoir captained by HCWA Naturalist Rebecca Bodron.
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Media Contact: Chris Wood, Ph.D.
P: 770-757-1681
E: chris@jwapr.com or john.wood@gcsu.edu