January 28, 2026
Southeastern Technical College (STC) announces Linda Hairr, Cosmetology Instructor, as its Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year and Jessica Martinez-Ramos, an Associate of Science in Nursing Bridge Pathway student from Toombs County, as the College’s Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner.
The winners were announced by President Larry Calhoun at Southeastern Tech’s 2026 Rick Perkins and GOAL Awards Ceremony on January 20, 2026, in Vidalia’s Tattnall Auditorium.
“There’s no higher honor than being nominated by peers. We have an exceptional facility and student body. Rick Perkins and GOAL are among the highest honors our college bestows. Mrs. Hairr and Ms. Martinez-Ramos will represent Southeastern Tech with excellence,” said President Calhoun.
The Rick Perkins Award honors faculty for significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. Associate of Science in Nursing Instructor Jennifer Gunter and Air Conditioning Instructor Vince Scott were finalists for instructor of the year.
“We are extremely proud of each of our nominees. We have amazing faculty. Each nominee is deserving, and each was chosen for that reason. Our faculty changes lives, one life at a time,” said Teresa Coleman, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
“For those who found me worthy, thank you. I’m humbled. At technical colleges, we teach skills that matter today and will matter tomorrow, from cosmetology to cybersecurity, to early childcare education, to healthcare. When asked why I chose to teach at a technical college, my answer is straightforward. Technical college changes lives. It changed my life. It changes the lives of my students, and it strengthens our communities and the industries that keep Georgia progressive. My own career is rooted in technical education. My journey began as a high school student in what we now know as Dual Enrollment. That experience gave me a skill set, but it also gave me confidence, direction, and a true understanding that technical education is powerful – and it’s transformative. Technical education also strengthens Georgia’s economic future. Our state has become a hub for aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and film production. Those industries thrive because technical colleges supply a pipeline of highly skilled workers. When a student receives a technical certificate or diploma, it isn’t just a personal win. It’s an economic win for Georgia. It’s a privilege for me to play a small part in that and witness students moving towards a better future,” said Hairr.
GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 22 technical colleges.
To be nominated, a student must have completed 12 credit hours, have at least a B average, and be in good standing at the College. Additionally, the student must recognize the impact of technical education on Georgia’s economic health and be willing to serve as an ambassador for technical education.
“The GOAL program spotlights the outstanding achievements of students in Georgia’s technical colleges. A screening committee of administrators at Southeastern Tech reviewed each nomination and conducted interviews with the students. After nominees were ranked, four finalists took part in another round of interviews and evaluations by a selection committee of representatives from local businesses and industry to compete to be Southeastern Tech’s GOAL winner,” according to Rebecca Ethredge, coordinator for the College’s GOAL program. “That panel considered the students’ academic achievement, personal character, leadership abilities, and enthusiasm for technical education.”
Martinez-Ramos is a licensed practical nurse who works as a charge nurse at Oxley Park Health and Rehabilitation and also works at Community Hospice. She is pursuing an Associate of Science in Nursing Degree through the Bridge Pathway and was nominated by Ginny Ennis. Martinez-Ramos stated, “Attending STC hasn’t just shaped my career, but it has also expanded my worldview by allowing me to visit multiple countries and build connections with people from different backgrounds,” saying that those experiences made her more open-minded, adaptable, and ready for the workforce. “Many thanks and much appreciation to everyone involved. I’d like to thank the judges who gave of their time to invest in students and wish all the nominees a successful future.”
Southeastern Tech’s other GOAL finalists were:
- Kelsey Adams, Healthcare Professional, from Wheeler County, nominated by Brad Hart
Adams has earned induction into two honor societies and says,” I chose technical education because it gives me a great education at an extremely affordable cost.” Outside the classroom, Kelsey’s interests include crocheting, singing, painting, bowling, reading, and spending time with family—activities that highlight her creativity and appreciation for balance in life
- Katie Bell, Dental Hygiene, from Jenkins County, nominated by Lori DeFore
Bell has been an STC student since the tenth grade at Jenkins County High School. She said, “I took advantage of the opportunity afforded to high school students to participate in STC’s Dual Enrollment Program, and that enabled me to pursue my educational dreams and goals in a relatively short amount of time. Without the Dual Enrollment classes, I would not be 19 years old and enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program.” Outside of her academic life, Bell enjoys reading, coaching softball, painting, and helping on the family farm.
- Jasmine Holmes, Associate of Science in Nursing, from Appling County, nominated by Rachel Sikes
Holmes said,” My career goals are grounded in helping others and providing assistance to newborn babies with special needs. Obtaining a nursing degree is not just about getting a job; it is about being able to serve others.” While in high school, Holmes took Dual Enrollment classes, which allowed her to begin her declared major earlier than usual. She also earned a Phlebotomy Certification, which helped her get her current job. She enjoys reading, baking, and running.
Each TCSG (Technical College of Georgia) college representative will compete at the regional level in February, where three finalists from each of TCSG’s three regions move to the state-level competition in Atlanta in April. State winners will serve as ambassadors for technical education in Georgia and as a voice of technical colleges, making many public appearances throughout the year. To make travel easier, the State GOAL Winner receives a grand prize of a new car provided by Kia Georgia, a statewide corporate sponsor of Georgia’s GOAL program.
Chosen for GOAL recognition by their instructors were Olivia Barnes – Dental Hygiene student, Jaycee Bratcher – Dental Hygiene student, Melanie Garcia – Dental Hygiene student, Whitney Griffin – Associate of Science in Nursing student, Dylan Joyner – Welding and Joining Technology student, Rebecca Kirkland – Paramedicine student, Kathleen Perkins – Business Management student, Michele Turner – Health Care Management student, and Brooklyn Willis – Business Management student.
Photo: 2026 GOAL Student of the Year Jessica Martinez-Ramos, STC President Larry Calhoun, and 2026 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year Linda Hairr
