The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) has announced the state’s top technical college student and top instructor for 2026, recognizing excellence across its 22 colleges. Thanapon (May) Saysombath, a Dental Hygiene student from Columbus Technical College, has been named this year’s Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner. Christopher Davis, an Automotive Technology instructor from Augusta Technical College, has been named the 2026 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction winner.

“This year’s winners embody what makes Georgia’s technical college system so impactful—talent, dedication, and a clear connection to careers that drive our state forward,” said TCSG Commissioner, Greg Dozier. “May Saysombath and Christopher Davis represent thousands of students and instructors across our system who are building Georgia’s workforce every day. Their leadership and commitment to excellence will inspire others and reinforce why Georgia continues to be the top state for talent.”

The GOAL program, now in its 54th year, recognizes the most outstanding technical education students at TCSG’s colleges. As the state GOAL winner, Saysombath will serve as an ambassador for technical education in Georgia. As part of this recognition, Saysombath was presented with a brand-new Kia Sportage, courtesy of Kia Georgia, the program’s longtime partner and supporter of technical education in the state.

“We are incredibly proud of May Saysombath for earning this statewide recognition,” said Columbus Technical College President, Martha Ann Todd. “Her dedication, compassion, and pursuit of excellence reflect the very best of our college and the vital role our graduates play in strengthening Georgia’s healthcare workforce.”

The first runner-up for the 2026 GOAL award is Brentson Victor Judon, a Design and Media Production Technology student from Augusta Technical College.

Now in its 35th year, the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction honors the system’s most outstanding instructors, recognizing innovation in the classroom and a deep commitment to student success. As the 2026 Rick Perkins award winner, Christopher Davis from Augusta Technical College received a crystal award and a check for $2,500.

“This is a proud moment for Augusta Technical College,” said Augusta Technical College President, Dr. Kendricks Hooker. “To have both a GOAL runner-up and the statewide Rick Perkins Award winner reflects the strength of our students and faculty. Christopher Davis and Brentson Judon exemplify the excellence, innovation, and workforce focus that define technical education in Georgia.”

The Rick Perkins Award runner-up is Stephanie Grant, an Early Childhood Care and Education instructor from Savannah Technical College.

Each year, both awards begin with college-level nominations, followed by regional competitions that narrow the field to statewide finalists. Finalists are evaluated on leadership, academic and instructional excellence, and their ability to represent the mission of technical education in Georgia.

As the 2026 state winners, Thanapon (May) Saysombath and Christopher Davis will make public appearances as representatives for technical education during the next year, including meeting with the Governor and addressing the Georgia General Assembly.