Four Lanier Technical College students have been selected as college semi-finalists for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), according to Jennifer Pulliam, coordinator for the local GOAL program.

Chosen as semifinalists are Jamie Richardson, a Banking and Finance student from Gainesville; Tammy Samples, a Cosmetology student from Dawsonville; Amanda Gibson, a Computer Applications student from Dawsonville; and Patricia Williams, a Business Office Technology student from Gainesville and attending Winder-Barrow Campus.

The Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education sponsors the GOAL program statewide. Locally, GOAL is sponsored by Gainesville Lions Club and coordinated by officials from Lanier Technical College.

“The GOAL program,” said Jennifer Pulliam, “seeks to spotlight the importance of technical education in today’s world of work and to recognize outstanding achievement by students in our state’s technical college systems.”

According to Pulliam, the Screening Committee of administrators at Lanier Technical College selected the four semifinalists from a list of students nominated by his or her instructor.

“A Selection Committee of individuals from the community’s business, civic, and industry leaders will now interview and evaluate these four students to select the college GOAL winner, “explained Pulliam,” and the one judged most outstanding will compete with representatives from Georgia’s 38 other technical colleges for the 2005 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership, medallion, and grand prize car.”

The student, who is selected as the State GOAL Winner by demonstrating excellence in leadership and abilities, will receive the grand prize of a new automobile. The student’s nominating instructor and the college GOAL Coordinator will be awarded a check for $250.

Pictured from L to R: Jamie Richardson, instructor Joan Ivey; Tammy Samples, instructor, Shirley Lipscomb; Instructor Gwen Balue, Amanda Gibson; Instructor, Melissa Wallace, Patricia Williams.