For media information, contact:
Dana Urrutia, 678-495-3638
durrutia@gwinnetttech.edu

March 17, 2009

Gwinnett Tech Names Darcie Johnson 2009 GOAL Winner

Business Management Student Becomes Ambassador for Gwinnett Tech

Darcie Johnson, a business management student from Suwanee, is the winner of Gwinnett Technical College's 2009 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL).

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) sponsors the GOAL program, which recognizes outstanding technical college students and honors excellence in academics and leadership. Local GOAL winners are selected at each of the state's 26 technical colleges.

"I am very overwhelmed," said Johnson. "I didn't put myself in the category of winning. I think my connection to other people from my life experiences makes me a good representative for Gwinnett Tech and technical education."

Perry Barton, Gwinnett Tech Business Management Program director, nominated Johnson for the award. In his letter of recommendation, Barton profiles Johnson as a committed and hardworking student, who through volunteerism and leadership exemplifies the ideal technical college student.

Johnson hopes to one day become a motivational speaker. She wants to encourage others to make an investment in themselves, and share her story of overcoming adversity. Johnson is a single parent who not only returned to school, but also contributes to her community by volunteering at women's shelters, with her church and with the Gwinnett Children's Shelter.

"I want to show people that their past does not have to drive their future," said Johnson.

One of Johnson's first speaking engagements as the Gwinnett Tech GOAL winner was at Gwinnett Tech's staff and faculty meeting in March.

As Gwinnett Tech's GOAL winner, Johnson will continue on to the statewide GOAL competition. If she wins the state competition, Johnson will earn a medal and serve as an ambassador for technical education in Georgia.

Gwinnett Tech offers more than 45 degree, diploma and certificate program options. For more information, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu.

Get the latest news about Gwinnett Tech: http://www.gwinnetttech.edu/news

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About Gwinnett Tech
Gwinnett Technical College, one of Georgia's largest technical colleges, is committed to delivering relevant knowledge to meet the workforce training needs of its community. The college offers more than 50 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs and hundreds of seminars, workshops and courses providing specialized training. GTC is Gwinnett County's largest provider of corporate training and now serves residents and businesses in north Fulton County. Gwinnett Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097,404-679-4500, www.sacscoc.org for questions about the accreditation of Gwinnett Technical College. For more information, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu.

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia.