Four individuals have been given top honors as students and instructors of the year at Athens Technical College during a ceremony on Jan. 25.

Jess Chavers, a radiologic technology student, was selected as the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership(GOAL) representative. She spoke about her past struggles with mental health and the newfound passion she found in her program at ATC.

“I wanted an exciting and challenging career,” she said. “The radiography program is a two-year program that appealed to me because I could get into the workforce faster. Working hard to further my education through technical college has opened my eyes to the values my life has.”

Amanda Stanley, the program chair who nominated Chavers said, “Jessica is an outstanding student in the radiography program. She has a desire to learn more, and a passion to help others. Jessica is well respected by her faculty and her peers.”

Shelby Long has been selected as the College delegate to compete for the Dinah Culbreath Wayne Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Award. This program recognizes and honors students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in statewide adult education classes.

“The ATC Adult Education and Career Plus HSE program provided me with a clear vision of what I wanted to do with my life and the steps I needed to take to reach my goals,” said Long, who received a certificate in phlebotomy from the college. “I now have the skills needed to obtain employment in my career pathway with sustainable wages to support my family, and for that, I am eternally grateful!”

Katina C. Tate has been named the College’s Adult Education Instructor of the Year. She is currently a high school equivalency instructor at the Elbert Campus and has been teaching with the adult education program since 2010. A native of Hart County, Tate received a B.S. in business administration from Emmanuel College.

All four individuals will go on to compete for their respective statewide awards, which are coordinated by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) each spring.

 “These are the highest awards students and instructors can receive at the college, and we are very proud of the dedication that they show to their work here,” said President Andrea Daniel. “We wish them all the best of luck in the next round of competitions and look forward to recognizing them in Atlanta.”

Cutline: Pictured left to right are Katina Tate, Andraa Perrin, ATC President Dr. Andrea Daniel, Shelby Long and Jess Chavers at the Athens Technical College awards ceremony. These top instructors and students will go on to represent the college in state competitions this spring. 

Athens Technical College has served citizens since 1958 by providing quality educational programs in an 11-county service area. The college offers over 130 program specializations in business, health, technical, and manufacturing-related areas. Students attend on four campuses (Athens-Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Walton) and online plus career academies, adult learning centers,  and continuing education opportunities. To learn more visit www.AthensTech.edu.