McAdams sees
Hannah McAdams refuses to let circumstances define her destiny Staring through the lens of her
throughout her childhood, McAdams fell
thank the organization’s president and
education seemed unattainable; college
assistance at GGC’s annual Scholarship
behind in school. Her pursuit of higher was not mentioned at home.
However, with an eighth-grade educa-
tion, McAdams earned her GED, set her
sights on college and never looked back. “I have seen my family struggle with
camera, Hannah McAdams focuses on
finances because they did not have
images she hopes will last a lifetime. Her
the cycle. I have always loved learning.
the subject before her, skillfully capturing photography hobby has turned into a
side business, providing McAdams with a creative outlet and nurturing an inherited love for an art form that transcends time
college degrees, and I wanted to break
speak at the reception as a representative of all GGC scholarship recipients.
“I hope to one day make an impact
in someone’s life the way you have impacted mine,” McAdams said to Boutwell in her remarks.
“Hannah’s story reaffirms why we con-
tinue to support GGC and its remarkable
by my circumstances growing up.”
vered through challenging circumstances
“My destiny was not going to be restricted Having the financial means to attend
college was yet another challenge to
my mother; she was an avid photogra-
funding, McAdams needed additional
pher,” McAdams said.
Reception. In fact, she was selected to
Knowledge is power!” said McAdams.
– and loss.
“My inspiration for my photography is
CEO, Marshall Boutwell, for the financial
conquer. After exhausting all student loan
students,” said Boutwell. “She has perseto obtain her degree. All of us at Peach
State look forward to the many successes that lie ahead for her.”
For the young woman who spent
financial assistance to remain in school.
years in continuous transition, McAdams
of motivation, never far from McAdams’
Giving up has never been an option,”
College. As a student, she cultivated
lost her mother in a traffic accident. The
earning the Peach State Federal Credit
Her mother remains a constant source
mind. McAdams was just six when she
life-altering event caused a ripple effect
which continued long after her loss. Her
family structure was fractured. Frequently moving from county to county each year
“I did not come this far to stop here.
she said. For the hard-working McAdams, Union Scholarship afforded her the
opportunity to pursue her degree in special education.
McAdams was able to personally
found her home at Georgia Gwinnett
her passion for education. As a student
teacher, she looked to positively influence her first-, third- and fourth-grade students at Craig Elementary and Baggett
Elementary schools in Gwinnett County. “If I inspired one student to be
self-driven and realize their goals, it
would make every bit of the hard road that has led me here worthwhile,” McAdams said.
During her time at GGC, McAdams
found a mentor in Dr. Yvonne Hefner, as-
sistant professor of special education. She cited Hefner’s knowledge, encouragement and expertise as leading her to where she is today. The fondness is reciprocated.
Peach State Federal Credit Union President and CEO Marshall Boutwell poses for a portrait with Hannah McAdams,’17, at the GGC Foundation’s recent Scholarship Reception. McAdams spoke at the reception about how much it meant to receive the Peach State Federal Credit Union Scholarship.
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