The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) announced the state’s top technical college student and top instructor for 2024. Nicholas Rucker, a Physical Therapist Assistant student from Athens Technical College, was chosen as this year’s Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner and Sharoko Farley, a Commercial Truck Driving instructor from Central Georgia Technical College, was chosen as the winner of this year’s Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction.

“The GOAL and Rick Perkins awards celebrate not just high achievement, but the embodiment of excellence in our TCSG community,” said TCSG Commissioner, Greg Dozier. “Congratulations to Nicholas Rucker and Sharoko Farley for representing the limitless possibilities within our Technical College System of Georgia. I know both will be tremendous ambassadors, not only for their colleges, but for our entire system this coming year.”

The GOAL program, now in its 52nd year, recognizes the most outstanding technical education students at the 22 TCSG colleges. As the state GOAL winner, Nicholas Rucker from Athens Technical College won a brand new, made-in-Georgia, Kia Sportage courtesy of Kia Georgia and delivered by Rick Case Kia.

“We are incredibly proud of Nicholas for being awarded the 2024 GOAL Student of the Year,” said Athens Technical College President, Dr. Andrea Daniel. “This honor is a testament to Nicholas’ hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. His success not only brings honor to the Athens Technical College community, but also serves as an inspiration to his peers and future generations of students. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!”

Each year, selection for the GOAL program begins with the naming of the top technical education student at each college. Regional competitions follow and narrow the field to nine finalists for the award. The first runner-up for student of the year was Jennifer Perez-Bacilio, a Construction Management Technology student from Lanier Technical College.

The Rick Perkins Award, now in its 33rd year, highlights excellence in technical instruction and recognizes the most outstanding instructors at the 22 TCSG colleges. As the 2024 Rick Perkins award winner, Sharoko Farley from Central Georgia Technical College received a crystal award and a check for $2,500.

“Congratulations to Sharoko for being recognized as the 2024 TCSG Instructor of the Year,” said Central Georgia Technical College President, Dr. Ivan Allen. “Sharoko goes beyond the title of CDL instructor, serving as a mentor to students at our college, embodying a career driven by a commitment to service first. We are proud to have him as a part of our faculty, as his impact resonates far beyond our Central Georgia Technical College campus and its Putnam County Center. On behalf of everyone at Central Georgia Technical College, congratulations on this incredible accomplishment!” 

Each year, selection for the Rick Perkins Award begins with the naming of the top technical education instructors at each college. Regional competitions follow and narrow the field to nine finalists for the award. The first runner-up for instructor of the year was Deanna Hulsey, a Cosmetology instructor from Georgia Northwestern Technical College.

As the 2024 state winners, Nicholas Rucker and Sharoko Farley will make public appearances as representatives for technical education during the next year, including meeting with the Governor and addressing the Georgia General Assembly.