From left, front row are Jackson Woodard, scholarship recipient; Octavio Perez; Jesus Arellano, scholarship recipient; back row, Dr. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC; and Donny Holmes, program director and instructor of Construction Management at GNTC.

Two promising students in Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) Construction Management program have been named the first recipients of the newly established Octaviano and Bertha Perez Scholarship. This award marks a significant step in supporting future professionals in the construction industry.

Jesus Arellano and Jackson Woodard have been selected to receive the scholarship for the Fall 2025 semester. The scholarship was generously created by Octavio Perez, who established the fund to honor his parents, Octaviano and Bertha Perez, recognizing their profound influence on his life.

“We are so thankful to Mr. Octavio Perez for his support of our Construction Management students,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC. “This scholarship will absolutely help these two students reach their educational goals and continue to build a strong workforce in our communities.”

The Octaviano and Bertha Perez Scholarship is uniquely structured to support two students within the Construction Management program, with one recipient focusing on carpentry and the other on masonry. This targeted support underscores the practical skills that are critical to the construction trade.

Octavio Perez, a Realtor since 1979, emphasized the broader importance of the construction sector. “I have been a Realtor since 1979, and I know how important home ownership is for individuals and families worldwide,” Perez stated. “The construction industry is critical to the development of any nation.”

Georgia Northwestern Technical College plays a pivotal role in providing workforce education to residents of Northwest Georgia. The college offers a comprehensive range of associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates across diverse fields including aviation, business, health, industrial, and public service.

In the past year alone, GNTC made a significant impact, with more than 13,700 individuals participating in its credit and noncredit programs. This included 8,836 students enrolled in credit courses and an additional 4,939 engaging in adult education, continuing education, business and industry training, and Georgia Quick Start programs.

The establishment of the Octaviano and Bertha Perez Scholarship not only provides financial assistance to students like Arellano and Woodard but also reinforces the importance of skilled trades in building and sustaining communities.