Albany Technical College celebrates award winners

ALBANY – Albany Technical College has announced the names of students and educators representing our college at upcoming state-level competitions in 2025.

After a rigorous campuswide selection process, ATC has identified the winners for the prestigious Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (G.O.A.L.) student of the year, the Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year, the Adult Education Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) student of the year, the AE Teacher of the year, and an additional accolade unique to ATC: the Staff Employee of the Year.

The students and staff selected for these prestigious awards include:

— ATC G.O.A.L. Winner: Khalilah Lindsay, Early Childhood Care and Education major: known for her academic rigor and leadership qualities;

— ATC Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year: Mark Benton, a welding and joining technology instructor: recognized for his innovative teaching methods and dedication to technical education excellence.

— ATC E.A.G.L.E. Winner: Jessica Castellano, an adult education student: has demonstrated exceptional perseverance and academic achievement.

— ATC Adult Education Teacher of the Year: Wesley Williams, an Adult Education instructor: honored for outstanding commitment to enhancing adult literacy and professional development.

— ATC Staff Employee of the Year: Lisa Lofton, Marketing Specialist: celebrated for her remarkable contributions to service excellence and innovation at Albany Tech. 

These awards embody the values of technical education at ATC. The G.O.A.L. program identifies students who have not only achieved academic success but have also exemplified leadership. The Rick Perkins Award celebrates instructional excellence among the educators within the Technical College System of Georgia, and the EAGLE Award and the AE Teacher of the Year highlight the transformative impact of adult education and literacy.

College President Emmett Griswold and the ATC community congratulate these individuals for their achievements. Their dedication to their fields has made a significant impact on the college and serves as an inspiration to us all, ATC officials said, adding that the students and staff members honored exemplify the spirit of excellence and commitment to higher learning that Albany Technical College stands for.