Georgia Highlands College (GHC) is proud to spotlight 2025 graduate Madeline Burgan, of Rock Spring, as the college’s honoree for the University System of Georgia’s (USG) Academic Recognition Day for her academic excellence, leadership and inspirational journey.
Academic Recognition Day is hosted annually by the Board of Regents in Atlanta and began over 30 years ago as a celebration of Georgia students’ academic achievement. The honorees receive a resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives along with a letter of commendation from USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue.
“Graduating from Georgia Highlands College means so much to me because I have not only grown as a person, but I have also improved upon my skills in ways that will assist me in the future,” Burgan said.
At GHC, Burgan said she was impressed by the way each instructor cared for students through their enthusiasm, commitment, encouragement and dedication, and says her instructors have been instrumental to her success.
Burgan graduated this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in general studies, maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA throughout her academic career. Stemming from a homeschool education, Burgan’s dedication to excellence has earned her a place on the President’s List and membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (Alpha Psi Omicron Chapter). She was also awarded the David B. McCorkle Creative Award for her poetic talents.
Beyond academics, Burgan has demonstrated resilience. Born 10 weeks prematurely, she has defied the odds from the very beginning. A lifelong learner and creative spirit, she is an accomplished pianist, having performed at music festivals, recitals and local nursing homes. She is also a skilled seamstress, enjoys writing poetry and short stories and is currently working on two books.
An avid reader and “Star Wars” enthusiast, Burgan balances her scholarly pursuits with a love for storytelling and science fiction memorabilia. Her faith is central to her life, and she enjoys reading the Bible and spending time with her family and friends.
Burgan’s passion for criminal justice is rooted in a desire to make a difference. Though she is still exploring her career path, she is particularly interested in investigative work and human trafficking prevention, and she hopes to integrate her love of writing into her future profession.
Her community engagement is equally commendable. She has volunteered at the Tennessee Aquarium, participated in the Rome International Film Festival and worked multiple seasons at UPS. A memorable experience for her was traveling to Hawaii, where she visited Pearl Harbor and met survivor Sterling Cale—a moment that deepened her appreciation for history and service.
Her plans for the future are to pursue a career within the criminal justice system and eventually further her education.
“My desire for the future is to assist others as well as be an advocate for those who are unable to speak for themselves,” Burgan said. “In quoting my favorite author, Louisa May Alcott, ‘I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.’”
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