Toccoa’s Paul Hopkins named as finalist in NGTC’s GOAL program

Paul Hopkins of Toccoa has been named by North Georgia Technical College as one of four finalists for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership, or GOAL. 

Hopkins is a precision machining and manufacturing student and was nominated by instructor Derrick Hogan. 

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students.  

The remaining three finalists are Kaitlyn Crosby, a welding technology student of Mount Airy nominated by instructor Ronnie Ayers; Maria Zavala de Orozco, a registered nursing student of Cornelia nominated by instructor Dr. Martha Marquardt; and Angie Bartron, an accounting student of Blairsville, nominated by instructor Dorothy Hansen.  

The four finalists will compete Jan. 11, 2024, in front of a panel of business, civic, and industry leaders, who will select the college’s 2024 GOAL winner. The NGTC GOAL winner will then represent NGTC at the regional and state competitions.  

Other 2024 GOAL nominees included Gerald Barker of Eastanollee, Victoria Hartley of Eastanollee, Renee Petenbrink of Toccoa, and Kelley Ward of Martin. 

NGTC GOAL co-coordinator Rebekah Franklin stated, “The 2024 GOAL nominees were an outstanding group of students who all shared their unique perspectives on the importance of technical education. We are tremendously proud of each of these individuals for their hard work and dedication to pursuing excellence in their chosen programs and for stepping outside their comfort zone. We wish them all continued success in their endeavors.”  

For more information regarding North Georgia Technical College programs or admission, visit northgatech.edu or call 706-754-7700.