There wasn’t any doubt as to where Trey Cureton would attend college.  Trey is a 3^rd generation Wiregrass Georgia Technical College student and was recently named the college’s 2015 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner.   The Radiology student from Hahira has a wonderful family legacy with Wiregrass and former Valdosta Technical College.

This family tradition began with Trey’s grandmother, Lougean Lee. She received her certification in surgical technology and currently works at Southern Regional Medical Center in Atlanta.  Clarence Guyton, his grandfather has been working for the past 30 years at Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) in Valdosta after receiving his education and training as a welder and machinist. Trey’s mother, Wanda Cureton, and sister, Cecelie Reid, both received degrees in Computer Information Systems and are both enjoying jobs in this field.  Trey’s brother, Eric Cureton, Jr. attended Wiregrass and completed his core classes and was able to transfer to Valdosta State University where he is pursuing a degree in Psychology and Accounting. Even though his father, Eric Lewis Cureton, Sr., did not attend Wiregrass he was an employee, serving as the college’s Fatherhood Coordinator for a year.  

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students.  Local GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 24 technical colleges as well as one Board of Regents college with a technical education division. 

Cureton competed against 32 nominees from Wiregrass’ four campuses in Valdosta, Douglas, Fitzgerald, and Sparks before being named as one of the top four nominees and now college winner.  The runners- up were Megan Dover, Valdosta, Radiology; Jon Thacker, Valdosta, Industrial System Technology; and Kayla Smith, Douglas, Criminal Justice.

Trey was nominated by his Radiology Instructor Glenda Braswell.  “I nominated Trey as our GOAL representative because he exemplifies every aspect of an outstanding student.  He strives to learn and be the best in his profession but maintains the greatest attitude toward others.  He is an all-around GREAT student,” shared Braswell.

Cureton will now advance to regional judging in late February. In April he will learn if he was one of the nine state finalist.  A panel of leaders from the business, industry and government sectors will interview them and choose one to be the 2015 state GOAL winner and the recipient of the GOAL medallion. The grand prize also includes a new car, courtesy of Chevrolet the statewide corporate sponsor of the GOAL program.

Cureton shared, “Being the 2015 GOAL recipient for Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a tremendous honor and I am deeply humbled. Never did I imagine I would be presented with such an opportunity. The experience I have acquired thus far has taught me a great deal about leadership and character as well as given me the chance to meet others worthy of the same prize. I am immeasurably grateful for being selected and I am privileged to represent Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.” Cureton plans to pursue his bachelors in nuclear medicine after completing his degree in Radiology from Wiregrass Tech.