Dr. Melissa Frank-Alston congratulates Coleeta Rhinehart as welding onstructor Tommy Lyles and Dean Jim Price observe.

Dr. Melissa Frank-Alston congratulates Yonathan James while instructor Sherrie Rowe and Dean Jo Anne Robinson observe.

Congratulations to Coleeta Rhinehart and Yonathan James. These two Augusta Tech students have been selected to participate in the US-Brazil Arts & Cultural Exchange program.

Coleeta Rhinehart is a student in the Welding and Joining Technology program. Upon graduation, and after a few years of work experience in the field, she would like to teach welding. Coleeta sees many opportunities around the world to instruct welding in order to assist underprivileged communities. She is also interested in pursing a degree in engineering and later retiring with a shop of her own to create functional art.  Coleeta has volunteered with the United States Air Force, the Veterans of Foreign War, the flood disaster relief with the Volunteer Fire Department, and repaired books with the Augusta0Richmond County Public Library. She is currently pursuing a volunteer opportunity with the United Way and in her spare time, attends local exhibits and musical events in the community.

Yonathan James is a student in the Media Communications Technology program. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa International, and has been an active member of the Augusta Concert Band for three seasons which is responsible for generating thousands of dollars in humanitarian aid to local charities. Yonathan has also served as the PGT (Printing & Graphics Technology) Department Toys for Tots and Adopt a Solider Committee Chair. Upon graduation, Yonathan plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree in photojournalism. His ultimate goal is to work for a periodical such as the National Geographic.

The students will travel to Brazil in January to study for six months. They are already learning some basic Portugese to be able to communicate with their Brazilian counterparts.