The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) announced the state’s top technical college student and top instructor for 2023. Janette Velez, an Esthetician student from Columbus Technical College, was chosen as this year’s Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner and Adrienne Baldwin, a Mathematics instructor from Chattahoochee Technical College, was chosen as the winner of this year’s Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction.

“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.”

The GOAL program, now in its 51st year, recognizes the most outstanding technical education students at the 22 TCSG colleges. As the state GOAL winner, Janette Velez from Columbus Technical College won a brand new, made-in-Georgia, 2023 Kia K5 courtesy of Kia Georgia and delivered by Rick Case Kia.

"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. The first runner-up for student of the year was Teresa Burton, a Culinary Arts student from North Georgia Technical College.

The Rick Perkins Award, now in its 32nd year, highlights excellence in technical instruction and recognizes the most outstanding instructors at the 22 TCSG colleges. As the 2023 Rick Perkins award winner, Adrienne Baldwin from Chattahoochee Technical College received a crystal award and a check for $2,500.

“We are incredibly proud of Chattahoochee Tech instructor Adrienne Baldwin being named the TCSG Instructor of the Year for Georgia,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President, Dr. Ron Newcomb. “She exemplifies the very best of what TSCG colleges offer in preparing students for life beyond the classroom and helping them reach their career goals.”

Each year, selection for the Rick Perkins Award begins with the naming of the top technical education instructors at each college. Regional competitions follow and narrow the field to nine finalists for the award. The first runner-up for instructor of the year was Salvador Gonzalez Arreguin, a Diesel Mechanics instructor from Georgia Northwestern Technical College.

As the 2023 state winners, Janette Velez and Adrienne Baldwin will make public appearances as representatives for technical education during the next year, including meeting with the Governor and addressing the Georgia General Assembly.