Warner Robins, Ga. — Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) has announced five outstanding students selected as finalists for the 2027 Georgia Occupational Award for Leadership (GOAL) competition. Representing a variety of academic programs across the College, these students have distinguished themselves through their commitment to academic achievement, professional development, leadership, and excellence in technical education.
The 2027 CGTC GOAL finalists are:
Nadia Hastings, Associate of Science Nursing
Araya Pippens, Automotive and Industrial Systems Technology
Antonella Machuca Barboza, Echocardiography
Hannah Womack, Associate of Science Nursing
Toshea Ross, Orthopedic Technology
Selected from a competitive pool of student nominees, the five finalists will represent CGTC in the next stage of the statewide recognition program in November. Their selection reflects the dedication, determination, and professional aspirations of students pursuing careers in some of Georgia’s most important workforce sectors.
The GOAL selection process began with instructor nominations during the fall semester. A committee of CGTC administrators reviewed the submissions and interviewed candidates to identify the five finalists. The students will advance to interviews with a selection committee comprised of local business and industry representatives, who will evaluate their academic accomplishments, leadership capabilities, personal character, and commitment to technical education.
The student selected as CGTC’s 2027 GOAL winner will be recognized as the College’s Student of the Year in December and advance to the regional competition. Three students from each region will then earn a place in the statewide finals, where the top nine competitors will be recognized during the Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) GOAL Conference in April 2027 in Atlanta. The conference will also announce the statewide GOAL Student of the Year.
The GOAL program is a statewide initiative of TCSG that recognizes outstanding students enrolled in Georgia’s technical colleges. The program celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, strong leadership, professional dedication, and the potential to make meaningful contributions to their communities and industries. Through this annual competition, GOAL highlights the talent and accomplishments of students who represent the future of Georgia’s workforce.
In addition to the five finalists, the following CGTC students were nominated for the 2027 GOAL competition:
Malcolm Wilson, Dental Hygiene
Latidra Rozier, Cardiovascular Technology
Emma Oliver, Orthopedic Technology
Jade Coleman, Radiologic Technology
Marius Jackson, Radiologic Technology
Keyan Davis, Information Technology
James Holtsclaw, Computer Programming
Devin Mazza, Electronics Technology
Paige Turner, Early Childhood Care and Education
Jamesha Whipple, Practical Nursing
Sarah Lincoln, Practical Nursing
Samantha Shane Caimans, Practical Nursing
Christopher Mason, Practical Nursing
Jasmine Jackson, Associate of Science in Nursing
Mercie McGee, Associate of Science in Nursing
Gemanii Pinckney, Dental Hygiene
Collectively, these nominees represent the breadth of academic and career-focused opportunities available at CGTC, as well as the dedication of students preparing to enter and advance within Georgia’s workforce.
CGTC congratulates all 2027 GOAL nominees and finalists for their accomplishments and wishes the five finalists success as they continue through the competition.
About Central Georgia Technical College
As one of the largest two-year colleges in the state, CGTC operates three campuses and five centers throughout central Georgia, serving more than 30,000 individuals annually. CGTC is focused on connecting graduates to careers by offering quality education services, assuring a well -qualified workforce to support a healthy local economy. CGTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. For more information about CGTC, visit www.centralgatech.edu. Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/centralgatech), X (@CGTC), and Instagram (@centralgatech).