Lena Wise Community Center

Donna Gonzalez Quintana, an Oglethorpe County resident, studies at the Lena Wise Community Center on Feb. 24. “I feel like I can still have, even at this age, an opportunity to keep growing,” Gonzalez Quintana said. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Donna Gonzalez Quintana, an Oglethorpe County resident, studies at the Lena Wise Community Center on Feb. 24. “I feel like I can still have, even at this age, an opportunity to keep growing,” Gonzalez Quintana said. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

HSE program is a chance for growth

Charlotte Cochran
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Eliane Aviles has advice for anyone who wants to pursue a high school diploma later in life. “Don’t be afraid. Don’t let age limit you,” said Aviles, a graduate of the High School Equivalency (HSE) program at the Lena Wise Community Center in Crawford.
Lena Smith Wise is pictured in her book, “The Story of Oglethorpe County.” Wise began her teaching career at Crawford High School and was later principal of Oglethorpe County Elementary School, spending most of her 42 years in education serving Oglethorpe County. (Photo/Scott Thaxton)

Lena Smith Wise is pictured in her book, “The Story of Oglethorpe County.” Wise began her teaching career at Crawford High School and was later principal of Oglethorpe County Elementary School, spending most of her 42 years in education serving Oglethorpe County. (Photo/Scott Thaxton)

The county’s storyteller: How Lena Wise became central to history

Maddie Daniel
Thursday, April 6, 2023
The Lena Wise Community Center in Crawford, which celebrates its sixth anniversary this year, offers free high school equivalency classes as preparation for the GED.    Vicki Ussery teaches these classes, but her connection to the namesake of the community center doesn’t end there.