Brian Clark (left), Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s Forestry Department Head; Stephen Tyner, State FFA President;
Thurmond FFA Team members Josh McIlvried, Jonathan Holmes, Ashley Miller, Brittany Bearden;
Hugh Bland, Thurmond FFA Advisor;
DeAnna Eddy, Horry-Georgetown Technical College Associate Professor of Forestry; and State FFA Vice President Jason Gore.
THURMOND FFA FORESTRY TEAM HEADED TO NATIONAL FINALS
COLUMBIA, SC….The Strom Thurmond Technology Center FFA Team won first place honors in the State FFA Forestry Competition held in Georgetown County recently, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA organization.
The state competition, hosted by the Horry-Georgetown Technical College Forestry Department, was held at the International Paper Company’s Eight Oaks Seed Orchard which is leased by the college. Brian Clark, Department Head for Forestry Management Technology Programs, DeAnna Eddy, Associate Professor of Forestry, and Marvin Cribb, Timber Harvesting Instructor, coordinated the very successful event in concert with the SC FFA Association and Clemson University Agricultural Education Administrative staff.
Thurmond FFA members Josh McIlvried, Jonathan Holmes, Brittany Bearden and Ashley Miller along with their Advisor Hugh Bland, Agricultural Education teacher at the Center, were awarded expense paid trips to the 2006 National FFA Convention by the Horry-Georgetown Technical College Forestry Department, sponsor of the State FFA Forestry Finals. The team will compete for the National Forestry Championship title later this year in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Wagener-Salley FFA members Donald Jeffcoat, Andrew Shumpert and Will Blackwell were named the State Runner-up team. Their advisor is Allen Williams, Agricultural Education teacher at Wagener-Salley High School.
Anderson I & II Technology Center FFA team members Jessica Ellett, Jodi Gooch, Josh Moll and Josh Ragsdale placed third in the state finals. Their advisor is Steve McGaha, Agricultural Education teacher at the Center.
Belton-Honea Path FFA team members Jeffery Ambrose, Anthony Ashley, Spencer Brown and Justin Roberts placed fourth in the state-wide competition. Glenn Stevens, Agricultural Education teacher, is their advisor.
The mission of the FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.