Center of Innovation Speakers

Pictured from left to right: Rotary Club President Russ Heil, Lakisha Bonne, Lisa Collins, and Virginia Gibbs

On Thursday, August 27, 2015 Rotary Club of Peachtree City featured 3 speakers from Fayette County School System's recently opened Center of Innovation (COI) located at the former Fayetteville Intermediate School on Hood Avenue which houses the Dual Enrollment Program.

(New Dual Enrollment High School Curriculum offers students a high school diploma and vocational school training skill sets upon completion and graduation.)

In partnership with Southern Crescent Technical College the dual enrollment high school program allows students to select a Career Path Offering courses in:

• Health Sciences, which includes certified nursing assistant (CNA), emergency medical responder and sports medicine.
• Culinary Arts vocational training located on the Sandy Creek High School Campus offers a variety of culinary arts classes.

The expanded Dual Enrollment Curriculum is still being formulated.

The 3-featured speakers were:

Lakisha Bonner, the Coordinator of Counseling and Career Development for Fayette County Public Schools. She received her Masters degree from Winthrop University and her Educational Specialist from West Georgia University. As a dedicated educational professional, she has built and maintained a successful career as a result of her ability to work enthusiastically with school staff and administrators in an effort to ensure students are college and career ready. As a former lead guidance counselor, she has counseled thousands of students in several schools and fulfilled administrative level responsibilities that include master scheduling, curriculum development and enrichment, and facilitating dynamic school programs. Since 1993, she has consistently championed requirements to achieve academic proficiency of all students, and the operational efficiency of public and private schools. Mrs. Bonner resides in Fayetteville with her husband Travis. They have two children, Taylor and Noah.

Lisa Collins is the Director for Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) for Fayette County Public Schools. She received her Master’s degree from the University of Albany and her Educational Specialist from Lincoln University. Mrs. Collins has 28 years of educational experience spanning grades 3-12 with specific concentrations in business education, instructional technology, and leadership.

Through the collaboration of all stakeholders, the CTAE Department has expanded existing programs in the areas of animation, broadcasting, culinary arts, engineering, and health science. Mrs. Collins resides in Senoia, with her husband Jerry. They have 2 children, Kyle and Branden.

Virginia Gibbs retired last December after a decade as President and CEO of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce. She is now the Coordinator of Innovative Partnership Development, Work- Based Learning, and Youth Apprenticeships for the Fayette County Board of Education. She has an undergraduate degree in Mechanical and Materials Engineering from Duke University, and an MBA from West Virginia University. Virginia has lived in Peachtree City with her husband Dan since 1991. Their daughter Morgan is a sophomore at UGA (and an avid member of the Redcoat band), and their son, Harrison is a senior at McIntosh HS. Virginia is excited to be back to visit with her many PTC Rotarian friends this week!