Week Ending March 2, 2007               

Pictured: (l-r) GOAL Coordinator Leisa Dukes, four finalists: Tim Hendley, Trina Fountain, Capers (Rocky) Brazzell, Jessica Stephens, and Vice-President of Instruction Dr. Richard Thornton.

GOAL Semi-Finalists Chosen at Swainsboro Technical College

Four Swainsboro Technical College students have been selected as college semi-finalists for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), according to Leisa Dukes, coordinator for the college GOAL program.

Chosen as semifinalists were:

Tim Hendley is from Emanuel County. He is enrolled in the Electrical Program, and was nominated by his instructor Tony Criswell. Tim expects to graduate this spring.

Trina Fountain is from Emanuel County. She is enrolled in the Forestry Program, and was nominated by her instructor Rodney Kellum. Trina expects to graduate this summer.

Capers (Rocky) Brazzell is from Emanuel County. He is enrolled in the nursing Program, and was nominated by his instructor Jessie Garrett. Rocky expects to graduate this summer.

Jessica Stephens is from Emanuel County. She is enrolled in the Cosmetology Program, and was nominated by her instructor Linda Whitaker. Jessica expects to graduate this fall.

The Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education sponsors the GOAL program statewide. At the college-level, GOAL is sponsored by The Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce and coordinated by officials from Swainsboro Technical College.

"The GOAL program," said Mrs. Dukes, "seeks to spotlight the importance of technical education in today's world of work and to recognize outstanding achievement by students in our state's technical college system."

According to Mrs. Dukes, the Screening Committee of administrators at Swainsboro Technical College selected the four semifinalists from a list of students nominated by their instructors. To be considered for the college’s GOAL title, a student must be nominated by his or her instructor.

"A Selection Committee of individuals from the community’s business, civic and industry leaders will now interview and evaluate these four students to select the college GOAL winner," explained Mrs. Dukes, "and the one judged most outstanding will compete with representatives from Georgia's 38 other technical colleges and divisions for the 2007 State GOAL title, medallion, and grand prize car."

The student, who is selected as the State GOAL Winner by demonstrating excellence in leadership and abilities, will receive the grand prize of a new automobile.

Pictured: Seated (back) Jesse Paul, Front row (Left to Right) James Sigmon, Jr., Otis Jackson, Susan Cross Interim Vice President of Economic Development at Swainsboro Technical College, Charles Young and CMS Instructor Randy Minton

Swainsboro Supply Company Participates In Forklift Training

Swainsboro Technical College conducted a Safety and Procedures of Power Lift Truck Operation certification class for employees of Swainsboro Supply Company. The class was held on the campus of Swainsboro Tech February 21st and February 22nd. The Instructor for the course was Randy Minton, Certified Manufacturing Specialist Instructor at Swainsboro Tech.

According to Mr. Minton, "This training session consisted of classroom discussion emphasizing safety and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) rules and regulations. After the classroom work, students were evaluated on competency operating a forklift and required a test on each phase of the training. OSHA requires that a student must achieve a combined score of 80% to meet their requirements for forklift safe operation." After completion of the class the students were presented with certificates and certification cards.

"I really enjoyed working with this group; I feel they are extremely capable of handling the forklift in a safe manner," continued Mr. Minton.

Those completing the training were Jesse Paul, Charles Young, Otis Jackson, and James Sigmon, Jr.  

Pictured: (l-r) Swainsboro Technical College Dental Assisting students: Lanetra Smith from Toombsboro, Megan Bishop from Metter and Laquita Addison from Swainsboro provided a dental care presentation to preschoolers at STC Child Care center as Dental Assisting Instructor Wanda Coleman observes.

Swainsboro Technical College Dental Assisting Students Make Presentation To Preschoolers

Three of the Dental Assisting students along with their Instructor, Mrs. Wanda Coleman from Swainsboro Technical College visited the Swainsboro Technical College Preschool located on the college campus, and gave an entertaining as well as an informative presentation titled "MAKE THEM SPARKLE!".

The presentation, using posters with visuals to demonstrate brushing and flossing, instructed the children on how to take good care of their teeth by brushing, flossing, eating good foods and visiting their dentist regularly.

"As part of the Dental Assisting Program at Swainsboro Technical College the students are required to deliver a presentation on Dental Health," commented Mrs. Coleman. "February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Dental health is emphasized in all schools in the United States as part of educating our children on good dental health habits. Our students plan to make several more visits to different locations in the college area over the next few weeks."