Rien Perez, Ogeechee Technical College’s 2025 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner, was named the statewide GOAL 1st runner-up at this year’s TCSG GOAL/RPA Leadership Summit.
On Tuesday, April 29, both Perez and Quincy Jackson, OTC’s 2025 Rick Perkins Award (RPA) winner, were announced as two of nine state finalists in their respective competitions. Following a final round of interviews on Wednesday, April 30, Perez was named the 2025 GOAL 1st runner-up and recognized at the evening awards dinner.
“This is truly one of the proudest moments of my life,” said Perez, a student in OTC’s Fish & Wildlife Management program. “It’s been an honor to represent Ogeechee Tech throughout this journey. I’ve learned so much—not only through the competition, but also from the incredible group of 21 other GOAL nominees from across the state.”
Jackson, an instructor in OTC’s Commercial Truck Driving program, also represented the college as a state RPA finalist. He reflected on the full-circle moment of competing on behalf of the college where his journey first began.
“It’s been quite the journey, thinking back to when I used to walk these halls as a child,” said Jackson. “To now be named one of the top instructors in Georgia’s technical college system is an incredible honor—one I’ll cherish for the rest of my life."
The GOAL and RPA competitions are months-long processes involving multiple rounds of interviews, extensive preparation, and professional coaching. OTC’s RPA Coordinator, Tiffany Williams, and GOAL Coordinator, Sarah Beverley, played key roles in guiding and supporting both candidates throughout the competition.
In addition to formal interviews, the summit featured networking events, team-building activities, and professional development sessions designed to foster leadership growth and collaboration among participants.
