Date Posted: January 28, 2026
Lakesha Dorsey, an Associate of Science in Nursing student at Southern Crescent Technical College, was named the local winner of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) program at a luncheon held January 27, 2026.
After an extensive interview process, Dorsey was chosen from 15 candidates as Southern Crescent Technical College’s nominee for the title of state GOAL winner. Dorsey was selected over four other nominees by a judging panel comprised of community leaders and College supporters from the local service area. She will now proceed to regional preliminary judging. Following regional judging, Dorsey will compete with GOAL finalists from other technical colleges across the state. A panel of leaders from the business, industry, and government sectors will interview the finalists and select one to be named the state’s 2026 GOAL winner and recipient of the coveted GOAL medallion.
Dr. Irvin Clark, President of Southern Crescent Technical College, stated, “The purpose of the GOAL program is to spotlight the importance of technical education in today’s world and to recognize outstanding achievement by students in Georgia’s technical colleges. Lakesha is a shining example of the excellent leadership within our student population, and I know she will represent Southern Crescent Technical College well in the next rounds of competition.”
To be considered for the GOAL title, a student must be nominated by their instructor. All candidates were evaluated based on a speech and interview addressing the value of technical education, with finalists judged on grades, character, attitude, leadership, attendance, personal goals, and enthusiasm.
Lakesha Dorsey was nominated by Dr. Samantha Bell, who stated that Lakesha’s positive attitude and ability to lead by example make her an asset to any academic or professional setting. Dr. Bell noted that Dorsey’s leadership qualities, coupled with her genuine passion for learning and helping others, align perfectly with the values of the GOAL program.
Todd Feltman, President of the Griffin Exchange Club, presented the winner with a monetary gift in recognition of her achievement. Feltman remarked, “It has been a pleasure for the Griffin Exchange Club to sponsor the local GOAL program for more than 40 years, and it gives us great pride to see the impact that Southern Crescent Technical College and these outstanding students have on our local community.”
In her speech, Dorsey thanked the leadership of Southern Crescent Technical College for their support and for providing opportunities that have helped her grow personally and professionally.
The GOAL program is sponsored by the Technical College System of Georgia and is the first statewide program in the nation dedicated to recognizing and rewarding excellence among students enrolled in Georgia’s technical colleges.
During the SCTC luncheon, additional students were recognized for their outstanding achievement, character, and leadership as GOAL nominees. These GOAL nominees include: Daniel Bright, Associate of Science in Nursing, nominated by Stephanie Rogers; Patricia Christian, Medical Assisting, nominated by Mettie Hogan; Shaquana Forbes, Associate of Science in Nursing, nominated by Dr. Samantha Bell; Justin Gerhardt, Associate of Science in Nursing, nominated by Dr. Samantha Bell; Nicole Gerhardt, Associate of Science in Nursing, nominated by Dr. Samantha Bell; Takaila Greensword, Associate of Science in Nursing, nominated by Stephanie Rogers; Candas Ivy, Associate of Science in Nursing, nominated by Dr. Samantha Bell; Kaitlyn Levine, Early Childhood Care & Education, nominated by Diane McHughes; Angel Ramon, Associate of Science in Nursing, nominated by Dr. Samantha Bell; Kathryn Rehome, Associate of Science in Nursing, nominated by Stephanie Rogers; Peyton Shiver, Respiratory Care, nominated by Dr. Monique McCreary; Souny Thapvongsa, Associate of Science in Nursing, nominated by Dr. Samantha Bell; Alyiah Villasenor, Associate of Science in General Studies, nominated by Dr. Damon McCoy; and Raven Williams, Associate of Science in Nursing, nominated by Stephanie Rogers.