Last evening, Thursday, April 26, Columbus Technical College (CTC) student, Janette Valez, was announced as winner of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (G.O.A.L.) sponsored annually by the Georgia Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). Through a sponsorship with KIA, Valez is also taking how a brand-new car.    

The GOAL program focuses on excellence in technical education and relies on nominations from instructors at the local level to award outstanding students attending a Georgia technical college who have exhibited both academic excellence and personal achievement. Each year, the GOAL student is named alongside a Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year.  This year’s recipient of the Rick Perkins Award is Adrienne Baldwin of Chattahoochee Technical College.   

“Janette and Adrienne are two remarkable people that embody the absolute best of TCSG,” said TCSG Commissioner, Greg Dozier. “Technical education has made a life-changing impact on both of their lives, and they are an inspiration to others who are considering furthering their education through TCSG. Congratulations to Janette and Adrienne on their well-deserved honors. I know they will be tremendous ambassadors for technical education in Georgia this year.” 

Janette serves as the GOAL program’s 51^st awardee.  She is a military spouse and is currently completing esthetician credentials at CTC.  Upon graduation in May 2023 from Columbus Tech, she plans to pursue a degree in Business Management and open her own Skincare Day Spa. 

"Janette is an outstanding student, a developing entrepreneur, an awesome mom and student while parenting, and a superstar military spouse,” said Columbus Technical College President, Martha Ann Todd. “CTC is proud for her to represent the college and thrilled that she will have this opportunity to share the positive power and resources of the technical college system statewide during the coming year!" 

Each year, selection for the GOAL program begins with the naming of the top technical education student at each college. Regional competitions follow and narrow the field to nine finalists for the award.  

Janette shared, “I have worked at the Military Training Advisory School – the Army Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFAB) – while volunteering with many military units and organizations. Giving back to my community is incredibly important to me and I also understand the importance of pouring into yourself (especially when it comes to education and work opportunities).  I will continue to actively serve my local area and beyond.”   

Media partners are encouraged to share news of Janette’s accomplishments at the local, state and regional levels.