Brentson Judon, a Design and Media Production student, has been named Augusta Technical College’s winner of the 2026 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership, or GOAL.
The announcement was made Dec. 11 via Facebook live by Interim College President Dr. Melissa Frank-Alston.
Judon said he chose to attend Augusta Technical College because it offered the opportunity to turn his interest in design and media into a professional skill.
After being selected, Judon said he was grateful for the recognition and the opportunity to represent the college, according to a press release from Augusta Technical College.
“I feel immensely grateful and proud, not just of myself, but of the other finalists as well,” Judon said. “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.”
Judon also thanked his nominating instructor, Sherrie Rowe, for her mentorship, along with the other finalists, his friends, family and the broader community for their support.
Judon was selected by a panel of local leaders over three other nominees. The other finalists were Lavender Johnson, an Accounting student; Michael Maruca, a Networking student; and Montell Walton, a Criminal Justice student.
GOAL is a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia that honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. Local 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,” Frank-Alston said. “His dedication to his craft, his leadership among peers, and his commitment to excellence embody the very spirit of what this award represents.”
Judon will represent Augusta Technical College at the regional competition March 4 at Central Georgia Technical College in Warner Robins.
Nine regional finalists, three from each of the state’s three regions, will be announced at the Leadership Conference at the Grand Hyatt in April 2026, according to a press release from Augusta Technical College.
If selected, Judon will advance to the state competition held during the conference. A panel of leaders from business, industry and government will interview finalists and select one as the 2026 State GOAL winner, the Technical College System of Georgia’s Student of the Year, and the recipient of the GOAL medallion.
The grand prize includes a new car provided by KIA, the statewide corporate sponsor of the GOAL program, according to a press release from Augusta Technical College.
