Brentson Judon, a Design and Media Production student, has been named as the Augusta Technical College winner of the 2026 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL). The announcement was made via Facebook Live by Interim College President Dr. Melissa Frank-Alston. Mr. Judon stated that he chose to attend Augusta Technical College because it was the perfect place to turn his interest in design and media into a professional skill. After being selected, Mr. Judon said, “I feel immensely grateful and proud, not just of myself, but of the other finalists as well. It’s an honor to represent Augusta Tech, and I’m excited to carry this title forward and live up to what GOAL stands for.” After being selected, Mr. Judon thanked his nominating instructor Sherrie Rowe for her mentorship, along with the other finalists for the leadership they showcase across our college, as well as his friends, family, and the broader community for their support. Mr. Judon was chosen by a panel of local leaders over three other nominees for the award. The other GOAL finalists were Lavender Johnson, an Accounting student; Michael Maruca, a Networking student; and Montell Walton, a Criminal Justice student. GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. Local GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 22 technical colleges. "We are incredibly proud of Brentson for being named Augusta Technical College’s 2026 GOAL winner. His dedication to his craft, his leadership among peers, and his commitment to excellence embody the very spirit of what this award represents. Brentson’s journey reflects the transformative power of technical education, and we are honored to have him represent Augusta Technical College," stated Interim College President Dr. Melissa Frank-Alston. Mr. Judon will represent Augusta Technical College at the regional competition on March 4 at Central Georgia Technical College in Warner Robins. The nine regional finalists, three finalists from the three regions, will be announced at the Leadership Conference at the Grand Hyatt in April 2026, and if selected, Mr. Judon will participate in the state competition at the conference. A panel of leaders from the business, industry and government sectors will interview them and choose one to be the 2026 State GOAL Winner, TCSG’s Student of the Year, and the recipient of the GOAL medallion. The grand prize includes a brand-new car, courtesy of KIA, the statewide corporate sponsor of the GOAL program. Photo courtesy Augusta Technical College.