An award given annually to Ogeechee Technical College’s brightest student leader was presented Wednesday to a surprised finalist.
    Stuart Gregory, a dual-degree computer student, was announced as the 42nd recipient of Ogeechee Tech’s Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership, or GOAL, during a luncheon held in the school’s Occupational Sciences Building.
    “I was kind of blown away when (Ogeechee Tech President Dawn Cartee) announced me as the winner,” Gregory said. “It is definitely a huge honor to be recognized.”
    Gregory was chosen from a group of five finalists — narrowed from 23 nominees — to the become the college’s 2013 GOAL Student and serve as an ambassador for Ogeechee Tech in upcoming functions and during regional and state competitions.
    “This is a huge honor, and I’m very thankful. Since coming (to Ogeechee Tech), I have become financially independent, technically trained and can now serve the community,” said Gregory, who is on track to receive computer information systems and networking specialist degrees. “I am very, very excited.”
    The Technical College System of Georgia’s GOAL program “honors excellence in academics and leadership among Georgia’s technical college students,” according to Ogeechee Tech GOAL Coordinator Kelli Waters. The program recognizes students who exemplify the importance of the Technical College System, she said.
    Ogeechee Tech computer information systems instructor Terry Hand, who nominated Gregory for the award, said his student is an ideal choice for the honor.
    “I am excited for Greg. He is a great guy, a great student and a perfect example for why the Technical College System exists,” Hand said. “He is a bright guy, and I am proud of him. I hope he goes on to do great things. I will be behind him all the way.”
    To be chosen as GOAL winner, Gregory presented a three-minute speech about technical education to a selection panel, spoke about why he chose his programs of study, and participated in a round of interviews.
    He will be required to do the same in an upcoming regional competition, in which three of seven participants will move-on to compete for state honors, Waters said.
    “(Gregory) has natural leadership ability and stands out from the crowd. He has great speaking ability, charisma and can command a room,” she said. “He has a passion for Ogeechee Tech — for all technical education — and it shines through. He has an excellent chance going forward.”
    Were Gregory to become the state-level GOAL winner — Ogeechee Tech has produced state finalists several times in recent years, including two winners since 2008 — he would become an ambassador for the Technical College System of Georgia during a number of system and college functions in 2013 and be awarded a new car.
    “We are all excited for him,” Hand said. “I like to think of this award as a Student of the Year award, and there is no better candidate than Gregory.”
   
    Jeff Harrison may be reached at (912) 489-9454.