Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) recently announced its four student finalists for the 2026 Georgia Occupational Award for Leadership (GOAL) program. These outstanding students have been recognized for their academic excellence, leadership qualities, and dedication to their fields of study. 

The 2026 CGTC GOAL Finalists are: 

• Meredith Salmon, Orthopedic Technology 

• Kimberly Giddens, Welding and Joining Technology 

• Larry Howard, General Studies, Healthcare Professional Pathway 

• Anna Walters, Physical Therapy Assistant 

• Sharelle Pangilinan, Radiologic Technology 

Each of these exceptional students was nominated by their instructors during the fall semester as part of CGTC’s comprehensive selection process. They will now advance to the next phase of the competition later in November.  

The winner will be named CGTC’s 2026 Student of the Year in an awards banquet in December. 

The GOAL program, a statewide initiative of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), honors students who exemplify academic success, strong work ethic, and leadership potential. GOAL finalists and winners represent the best of Georgia’s technical education system, highlighting the critical role it plays in shaping the state’s skilled workforce.