Nalley Presented State Resolution

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Vidalia Heritage Academy Class of 2026 and Southeastern Technical College Emergency Management Technician (EMT) Graduate Anna Nalley was recently recognized for her work to become a nationally registered EMT before graduating from high school, as State Representative Leesa Hagan presented her with an official resolution from the continued from page

House of Representatives.

Nalley completed the EMT program this past Spring, after beginning the program at only 17 years old. She turned 18 years old in March, and worked to juggle enjoying her last semester of high school with EMT classes, clinical hours, studying, and more. Nalley became a nationally registered EMT on May 11, before graduating from Vidalia Heritage Academy on May 23. Nalley is currently working with the Emanuel County EMS – the very same department where she did her clinical hours – and is preparing to attend Georgia Southern University to study biology.

During a small ceremony at Southeastern Technical College, State Representative Hagan, College Interim President Teresa Coleman, College Director of Nursing Jennifer Corner, College Director of Emergency Services Education Mike Young, College EMS Education Instructor/Coordinator Madison Mercer, and friends and family gathered to celebrate Nalley’s accomplishment, as Young remarked that Nalley had become a “role model” for younger students.

Young recalled his first time speaking with Nalley, as he stated he would never have known she was in high school. “We were blown away at your attitude, your charisma, and who you are as a person,” he emphasized, as he stated Nalley was the first high school student to complete the EMT program before finishing high school under his leadership as director. “I think it’s a big deal. I think it is well-deserved, and I just wanted to make it more special.”

He credited Mercer with her work to mentor Nalley, as he emphasized that she worked closely with the student. “Madison poured a lot of time and effort into Anna, and that was reciprocated well,” he said. “I’m just so proud of the program that Madison is building.”

Young thanked Nalley’s family for their support throughout the process, as he remarked, “I appreciate you all sharing her with us and we want you to be a showcase for what dual enrollment can mean for our college. I just want to say we are proud of you, Anna.”

State Representative Leesa Hagan also congratulated Nalley, as she spoke on the excellence of the student and Southeastern Technical College. “I’m sure there is not anyone in this room who is not proud of you. It is certainly my honor, on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives, to say a few words about you and then present you with this resolution to tell you how excited we are to know that you are, especially at such a young age, accomplishing the things that you are doing and committing your life in service to others in the way that you are,” Hagan began. “We certainly do commend you for that.”

Hagan shared some truths to help guide Nalley throughout the rest of her career and life. “First of all, leaders do not have to be a certain age and they do not have to have a certain degree. Leaders may come in all different shapes and forms. You’re clearly already a leader, and I hope that you will continue along that path.”

She then turned to speak to other leaders who had spent their time mentoring and educating Nalley. “I want to say ‘thank you’ to those of you who have been leaders to her and have been mentors to her, because as a leader, what good leaders are always doing is looking for the ones that come along behind us because we know how important this is.” “I am so inspired and excited to meet you and to have heard from Mike about what you’re doing with your life,” Hagan told Nalley. “I want to thank you as not just a representative, but as a member of this community. Thank you for choosing this path to be on. I’m just so proud of you.”

Hagan explained that the resolution acknowledges Nalley’s accomplishments at a young age, as she was the youngest member of her EMT class. “You have achieved so much and you work so hard when most people your age are not. You chose to do extra to line yourself up for the future. It talks about how incredible you are, then it says, ‘Therefore be it resolved by the House of Representatives that the members of this body recognize and commend you, Anna Nalley, for your remarkable achievement and congratulate you upon earning certification as a nationally registered EMT, and we extend best wishes for your continued success,’” she told the group. “Thank you, again, for what you do. Your whole state is very proud of you, but I’m sure we’re not nearly as proud of you as your family and instructors are.”

Nalley reacted to the honor, saying, “Sometimes, it’s crazy to think that I am able to go to work and have those patients and work with all of these incredible people. I just think it’s an incredible field, and I’m really proud of everyone. I could not be more proud to be a part of the EMS community now. But there’s so many people that I feel like should be getting an award today and so many people who are deserving in this field, and I’m just so proud to be here and be able to represent some of them.”

She thanked her family, friends, and Southeastern Technical College instructors and advisers for helping her to achieve the honor, as she shared she felt that she would not have accomplished the feat without their help. She and her continued from page

family championed STC for their commitment to helping students to bridge the gap between high school and employment, as they stated that the College’s hands-on approach had helped Nalley to not only learn material, but to also apply that knowledge and put it in action.

For more information on the Southeastern Technical College or the EMT Certificate program, visit the College’s website, or call (912) 538-3100.

CELEBRATED BY FAMILY AND FACULTY – Anna Nalley was celebrated by her family and Southeastern Technical College faculty during a small ceremony at the College. L to R: Jennifer Corner, Paul Nalley, Hazel Nalley, Teddy Holton, State Representative Leesa Hagan, Gail Holton, Madison Mercer, Anna Nalley, Mike Young, Luke Nalley, President Teresa Coleman, Bethany Nalley, Brian Nalley, Matthew Nalley.Photo by Makaylee Randolph