Fayette County’s Adrian Crowder, a radiologic technology student at Griffin Technical College, was named local winner of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) program at a luncheon held March 14 at the Griffin Elks Club. The GOAL luncheon was sponsored by the Griffin Exchange Club and was coordinated by Sandra Bryant from Griffin Technical College. The Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce also assisted in this process by selecting the school GOAL winner.

After an extensive interview process, Adrian was chosen from 32 candidates as Griffin Technical Collegeís nominee for the title of state GOAL winner. She will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Atlanta in May where, for three-days, she will compete at the state level against representatives from Georgia’s 33 other technical colleges.

The winner of the state GOAL title will receive the GOAL medallion and the grand prize of a new automobile.

Bill Thielemann, Board Chairman of the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce stated, “With four excellent candidates, choosing a winner was very difficult. The Chamber is proud to assist in this process and to have the opportunity to select the school winner to represent Griffin Tech and this community.”

Dr. Robert Arnold, President of Griffin Technical College, stated, “The purpose of the GOAL program is to spotlight the importance of technical education in todayís world and to recognize outstanding achievement by students in Georgiaís technical colleges. Adrian is a fine example of the excellent leadership of our student population and I know she will go on to represent Griffin Technical College well.”

To be considered for the GOAL title, a student must be nominated by their instructor. All candidates were judged on a speech and interview on the value of technical education and the winner was chosen based on grades, character, attitude, leadership, attendance, personal goals, and enthusiasm.

Todd Feltman, President of the Griffin Exchange Club, presented each of the final four and Adrian’s nominating instructor with a monetary gift for their achievement. Feltman remarked, “It has been a pleasure for the Griffin Exchange Club to host the local GOAL program for the past 35 years and it gives us great pride to see the impact that Griffin Technical College and these students make on our community.”

Allen Edwards, President of the Griffin Area Personnel Association, was also in attendance at the luncheon to present Adrian with a monetary donation to assist with her expenses as she prepares for the state competition.

In her speech, Adrian emphasized the importance of technical education and the opportunities it has offered her in her life. She stated that technical education has been her path toward dreams coming true and is amazed by its diversity and the incredible opportunities it provides to all people from all walks of life.

Adrian’s nominating instructor, Brent Grogan stated, “I am so very proud of Adrian. She is a wonderful ambassador for Griffin Technical College and promotes technical education to everyone she meets. She relates well to all students at Griffin Tech and will carry the spirit of the entire student body with her as she competes at the state level.”

The GOAL program is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education and is the first statewide program in the nation that recognizes and rewards excellence among students enrolled in the technical colleges.

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