CVTC’s Derrick Wade Named as Finalist in 2008 State GOAL Student of the Year Competition

The Technical College System of Georgia has honored Coosa Valley Technical College (CVTC) student Derrick Wade as one of five finalists in the 37th annual Student of the Year competition.

Wade is enrolled in the Early Childhood Care and Education program at CVTC.

The announcement was made Thursday evening at the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) dinner held at the Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Atlanta.

A panel of judges representing business and industry selected Wade from among the top echelon of students representing 33 technical colleges as well as three state university system colleges with technical education divisions. Judging criteria included personal interviews with each student along with their scholastic accomplishment, leadership qualities, community involvement, and future aspirations.

“Because of Derrick’s military background, I believe he brings to the table a great perspective on the need for technical education, not only for traditional students, but also for those coming out of the military. Technical education is a great way for our military service men and women to be able to come home and attain skills to help them restructure their life," stated Bea Stitzer, CVTC Early Childhood Care and Education Instructor.

As a finalist, Wade participated in the judging to be named as the Technical College System of Georgia’s 2008 Student of the Year. The title of 2008 Student of the Year went to Laura Bickerton from Ogeechee Technical College.

TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson congratulated Wade for being one of the finalists, commenting, “The competition to be named our Student of the Year is a challenging process that’s open to each of Georgia’s 141,000 technical college students. To reach this level, as one of five finalists, is an exceptional achievement. I commend Derrick for his outstanding effort and for being such a great representative of Coosa Valley Technical College.”

Wade was also named the winner of the Fred Harper Award of Distinction for 2008. Each year the GOAL winners throughout the state vote among themselves to select the winner of the Fred Harper Award of Distinction during GOAL Week. The award is presented to the GOAL student deemed most outstanding by his/her fellow college GOAL winners, which makes it a most coveted award. This award is named for a former Director of Student Services at Central Georgia Technical College who was instrumental in founding the GOAL program.

“The Fred Harper Award is given to the student that the other GOAL nominees feel has contributed the most during GOAL week in Atlanta,” stated Diane Blair, CVTC’s GOAL Coordinator. “This is a tremendous honor for Derrick, because the award is voted on by his peers.”

Before enrolling at CVTC, Wade attended Central Texas College, Valdosta State University, and Southeast High School. He retired from the United States Marine Corps, where he served as communications technician, instructor/inspector, and safety and security specialist. He also has experience as a direct care supervisor for Park Wood Development Center and as a volunteer peer counselor. Wade has received many awards and honors. While in the military, he was awarded the Iraqi Freedom Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the Naval Achievement Medal. He is also a Marine Corps honor graduate and a Harry B. Thompson Scholar. He has volunteered for many organizations including Toys for Tots, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Atlanta, American Red Cross, and National Bridge Foundation. After completing his degree in Early Childhood Care and Education, Wade’s future career plans include obtaining a master’s degree and becoming a teacher in middle grades math or science. He would also like to establish an after school mentoring program.