Justin Clenny, a student in Ogeechee Technical College’s Cybersecurity Program was named OTC’s 2023 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner during a reception on January 26.
Clenny, a native of Evans County, has already earned an associate degree in Information Technology from OTC, and has returned to earn a second associate degree in Cybersecurity.
“The new Cybersecurity program offered here at OTC really piqued my interest,” said Clenny. He explained that instructor Terry Hand’s “passion” for what he teaches sold him on the program. “His love for teaching, his passion for cybersecurity, it was infectious. I looked forward to class every day, often showing up at least an hour early. He made learning fun and challenging.”
Clenny went on to explain how OTC prepared him for his interview with The Sack Company and how he was immediately hired, and after his 90-day evaluation, received a promotion.
Hand, a CIS and Cybersecurity instructor at OTC, has been teaching for 20 years and was overjoyed to see his two nominees selected as finalists.
“It’s not me. Look at them. They are excited and energetic and they come through and they study hard and they’re prepared,” he said.
Also awarded at the reception was GOAL runner-up Kristin Goddard, and finalists Annabelle Sydnor, and Dalton Flanders. Following OTC’s nomination, Clenny will interview in the regional competition in Tifton on February 21. If selected as one of three finalists from the region he will move on to compete for the state title the week of April 24-28 in Atlanta.
OTC
