Columbus Technical College has the best students and faculty around and, on occasion, some rise above the rest. That was the case as the nominees and winners for the annual GOAL (Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership), Rick Perkins/Tim Justice Faculty Award, and the EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) winners were announced recently.

GOAL winner Leonna Harris is passionate about her education and career; she holds a bachelor’s degree in biology but wanted more. After researching possible health care programs and visiting campuses around the Chattahoochee Valley, she realized Columbus Technical College’s respiratory care technology program was the perfect fit.

“I was just amazed at the labs, state-of-the-art equipment, and the overall learning environment,” Harris said. “The instructors all have first-hand knowledge in their areas of study and work hard to make sure we are successful.”

Once she graduates, Harris plans to continue her education by earning a Master’s degree. With it, she hopes to eventually work as a clinical instructor or in a health-related managerial/administrative setting – possibly at the CDC. Whatever her final destination, she wants to “help save lives.”

The EAGLE winner is 28-year-old Raakia Cherry. Cherry is the working mother of three children and is completing her GED. When she was younger she realized high school wasn’t for her and after many stops and starts, she eventually got frustrated and quit. Soon she realized she was all but unemployable without a diploma so she sought a quick fix via an online vendor. It turned out to be an expensive lesson.

“I paid $450 to take classes that earned me a ‘diploma,’” she said. “When I tried to enroll at Columbus Technical College, I was told the diploma wasn’t accredited and that I needed a GED to enroll. That’s when I started my Adult Ed classes.”

Raakia Cherry jumped in with both feet — both she and her children are seeing the results. She is involved in her family and community more than ever, participates in her children’s PTA program, is a class mom, and even helps her kids with their homework. She hopes to enroll in a health sciences program at Columbus Technical College once she completes her GED.

English instructor and department chair Kelli Wilkes has been named the College’s Rick Perkins/Tim Justice Instructor of the Year. Kelli has been with the college for almost five years and thoroughly enjoys the challenges and rewards she experiences every day.

“I’m honored to be chosen as the Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year. I started teaching to help students prepare for the workforce, but I have learned more from them about perseverance, success and life in general,” Wilkes said. “Every semester I am inspired to be better because they are striving to do the same thing.”

All three winners will compete regionally and, if successful there, continue to the state level. The state winners will be announced in April; all three would travel Georgia throughout 2015, touting the importance of education. If they take home the state title, the GOAL and EAGLE students will also win a new car. Congratulations to all!