Wiregrass’ 2017 GOAL winner, Eli Metts, an RN (Associates of Science in Nursing) student was recently named one of the top nine finalists in the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership in Atlanta.
 
The announcement was made at the Technical College System of Georgia’s GOAL and Rick Perkins Award Conference held in Atlanta April 11-13.  Metts was one of twenty-three students named as a finalist from across the state of Georgia’s Technical Colleges. Metts was named Wiregrass’ GOAL student in October.  He was one of 20 students from Wiregrass nominated for GOAL.
 
Each college winner competed in the regional interviews in February to determine who would be the three to represent each region.  After being named one of the finalists Metts, along with the other finalists was interviewed by another panel of judges from across the state.  Skylar Huggett of Savannah Technical College was named the 2017 state GOAL winner and the recipient of the new car awarded by Kia, the statewide corporate sponsor of the GOAL program.
 
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 23 technical colleges as well as one Board of Regents college with a technical education division.
 
Metts received a trophy for being named as one of the top finalists and an ipad.  He shared, “Being named a regional finalist at the state GOAL competition was an amazing experience. One of the great things about technical education is the environment in which the instruction takes place. You get to know your classmates and teachers on a very personal level, and when you are recognized for your achievements at the college level and beyond, it makes all the hard work worthwhile.  I have met some unbelievable people, especially my fellow GOAL winners and finalists. I am honored to be counted among such a dedicated, humble group of students."

Eli is from Valdosta, Georgia and attends the Valdosta Campus of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.  He will graduate in May and has already accepted a position at South Georgia Medical Center as an RN in critical care.