West Central Technical College announces winner of Georgia Award of Occupational Leadership
Waco, GA - March 21, 2007
 Dr. Skip Sullivan, president of West Central Technical College, and the faculty and staff of the College proudly announce that Ms. LeShonda Jones of Douglas County has been selected as the winner of the local “Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership.” The “GOAL” program, the first program of its kind in the United States, is a statewide program that recognizes outstanding students in the Technical College System of Georgia and celebrates the value of personal and professional excellence. Jones will represent West Central Technical College at a three day celebration of acheivement in Atlanta in late May that will culminate with the announcement of the statewide winner from 39 competing technical colleges/divisions in Georgia.
In addition to the GOAL winner, three other students were recognized in the March 21st ceremony for their outstanding achievement, character, and leadership. These other finalists were chosen by an external committee of business and education leaders from the West Georgia area. Sherri Bingham (Associate Degree Nursing student from Temple), Kimberly Carter (Accounting student from Bowdon Junction), and Melody Faber (Associate Degree Nursing student from Newnan) were finalists and represented significant competition for the eventual winner. “All of the candidates were very well poised, very positive about technical education, and basically all would have been excellent winners of this competition”, says Elise Johnson, staff coordinator of the GOAL competition for West Central.
Jones, who won the competition which included 12 other top candidates, commented, “I am so honored, surprised, and grateful to be named as West Central Tech’s GOAL winner for 2007. At first when my nominating instructor told me about the GOAL program I didn’t know much about it. Once I did my homework I realized what a great honor this is.” Jones, who is preparing to enter the Associate Degree Nursing program, came to WCTC because, “I wanted to attend a reputable college that would train me for immediate employment as a nurse, I knew WCTC could do this.” Her nominating instructor, Ms. Jan House who is a seven year veteran at the College, has much to say about her nominee. “From day one she impressed me. She was my first choice (for a nominee). She is not only successful in her own right, but wants to learn, grow, and has a humility and faith that grounds her.”
 Indeed, the word “success” defines Jones at this point in her professional life. She has risen through the ranks in business to become the Administrative Manager of the Emergency Room at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, managing all non-clinical staff and a budget of $18 million. In spite of this obvious success in the business world this classy lady had other ideas about her career and decided to pursue her long time dream of becoming a nurse. “I always wanted to be a nurse but somehow my career path turned toward management in the early going and opportunities just keep opening up.” Her long term professional goals include management of clinical personnel and teaching future nurses. She also is rearing three children (Christian, age 4; Alexia, age 5; and Michelle, age 17) with her husband, Alex. “I couldn’t have done this without the support of my husband and family, no way!” states the current GOAL winner.
The eventual winner of the statewide GOAL competition will serve as “ambassador” throughout the year as he/she travels the state speaking the virtues and values of an education at the Technical Colleges of Georgia. The winner will be awarded the GOAL medallion and the grand prize, a brand new car.
The external judging committee consisted of Daniel Jackson, President of Carroll Tomorrow; Donald Remillard, Superintendent of Douglas County Schools; Randy Eaves, President of First National Bank of Georgia; Mark Foster, General Manager of Walker Cadillac, Pontiac, Buick and GMC (and winner of the 2001 GOAL award for WCTC); Joey Sanders, Accountant for Primerica (and winner of the 2004 GOAL award for WCTC); and Lori Jacobs, Senior Project Manager, Lanier Parking Solutions (and winner of the 2005 GOAL award for WCTC).
Photo #1: 2007 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership winner LaShonda Jones (standing) is pictured here with her nominating instructor, Jan House.
Photo #2: 2007 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership winner LaShonda Jones (3rd from left) is pictured here with fellow semi-finalists (l-r) Melody Faber, Kimberly Carter, and Sherrie Bingham.
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