Four Georgia Northwestern Technical College students have been recognized for their academic achievement, earning the prestigious Governor Nathan Deal Technical Education Scholarship.

The 2026 recipients from GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton include:

• Yvonne Beltran of Dalton, Welding and Joining Technology
• Jimmy Keener of Dalton, Automation Technology
• Sarah Sane of Chatsworth, Welding and Joining Technology
• Gibson Scott of Fairmount, Precision Machining and Manufacturing

The scholarship honors former Governor Nathan Deal’s commitment to technical education and is funded by The Carpet and Rug Institute. It provides financial support to students pursuing industrial and industrial-related programs while rewarding strong academic performance.

GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham said the scholarship continues to make a meaningful impact on both students and workforce development across Northwest Georgia, noting a record number of applicants this semester.

To qualify, students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, be enrolled in an eligible industrial program, and reside in Gordon, Murray, or Whitfield counties.

Officials with The Carpet and Rug Institute say the scholarship helps build the next generation of skilled workers, supporting innovation and growth in the region’s manufacturing sector.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College serves thousands of students each year, offering degrees, diplomas, and certificates across a wide range of career fields, with a strong focus on workforce readiness and job placement.