SCFFA Public Relations

GOVERNOR SANFORD ADDRESSED STATE FFA EVENT

COLUMBIA, SC…Governor Mark Sanford addressed hundreds of FFA members from throughout South Carolina, Wednesday, February 22, in recognition of the observance of National FFA Week, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA organization.

State Legislators, agricultural education teachers, state and Federal government officials, agricultural leaders, parents of FFA members and other supporters were in attendance for the event held on the north steps of the State Capitol.

The Pendleton High School Band, under the direction of Robert Smith, offered a patriotic musical presentation entitled “Celebrating America” along with other inspiring music during the ceremony.

Pendleton High School Band members with Band Director Robert Smith.

Manning FFA members Lane Ham, De-Quan Williams, Allison Ragin and Mercedes Johnson served as the Color Guard for the event. Their advisor is Michael Haynes, Agricultural Education teacher at Manning High School.

Jessica Hook, President of the Lexington FFA Chapter, sang the National Anthem. Her Advisor is Tommy Harmon, Agricultural Education teacher at Lexington Technology Center.

Governor Sanford praised the students for their involvement in the FFA and preparation for careers in agriculture. He pointed out that America’s farmers, though less than 2 million in number, are so technically skilled and scientifically proficient that they produce more than 16 percent of the world’s food supply. He expressed appreciation to the FFA chapters who provide plants to decorate the Governor’s Mansion and landscape the State House grounds each year. Sanford also stressed the importance of healthy living by referencing Calhoun Falls FFA member Alex Gleason who successfully biked across the nation last summer promoting proper nutrition and physical exercise.

At the conclusion of his remarks, the Governor presented an FFA Week Proclamation to State FFA Officers Stephen Tyner, Emily Waggoner, Michael Burdette, Jacob Powers, Shane Grice and Jason Gore.

Governor Mark Sanford presented a Proclamation on FFA Week in South Carolina to State FFA Vice President Jacob Powers (left), State Secretary Emily Waggoner, State President Stephen Tyner, the Governor, State Vice President Michael Burdette and State Vice President Shane Grice.

York FFA member Samuel Hall presented the Governor a bucket of fresh-from-the field strawberries and a flat of hydroponic tomatoes grown on his family farm utilizing modern fruit and vegetable production technology.

State Representative Jeffrey D. Duncan of Clinton, Vice Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, presented the State FFA Officer Team a Concurrent Resolution in recognition of the outstanding FFA Organization and agricultural education programs in South Carolina. The Resolution, sponsored by State Representative William D. Witherspoon, Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, was approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate.

State Senator Nikki Setzler of Lexington presented a State Senate Certificate of Recognition to Lexington FFA advisor Tommy Harmon and chapter president Jessica Hook; Pelion FFA advisor Frank R. Stover, Jr., and chapter president Kyle Lucas; and Gilbert FFA advisor Derrick Cooper and chapter president Al Arnette for their successful efforts in restoring the Horticulture facilities at the Wilcox Central High School in Camden, Alabama, which had been destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

FFA member Jennifer Perdue of McBee and Ethan Sansbury of Latta were presented the prestigious American FFA Degree by the State FFA officers. W. Pat Earle is the FFA advisor at McBee High School and Annette Kirton is the advisor at Latta High School.

Pendleton High School Band member and trumpet player Bob Hill concluded the ceremony by playing “God Bless America”.

Manning FFA Color Guard members Lane Ham (left) and De-Quan Williams with their Advisor Michael Haynes, Agricultural Education teacher at Manning High School; Governor Mark Sanford and State FFA President Stephen Tyner.

Jessica Hook, President of the Lexington FFA Chapter, sang the National Anthem.

York FFA member Samuel Hall (right) presented Governor Sanford a flat of hydroponic tomatoes and a bucket of fresh-from-the-farm strawberries produced on his family farm near York. State FFA President Stephen Tyner looks on approvingly.

State Representative Jeffrey D. Duncan presented a Concurrent Resolution approved by the House and Senate to the State FFA officers.

Jennifer Perdue, a member of the McBee FFA Chapter and former State FFA Officer, was presented the American FFA Degree at the Ceremony. Looking on are her Advisor, W. Pat Earle, State FFA President Stephen Tyner and State Vice President Jacob Powers.

Senator Nikki Setzler of Lexington presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Lexington, Pelion and Gilbert FFA advisors and chapter presidents as Governor Sanford and State FFA President Stephen Tyner look on.

Dr. Tom Dobbins (left), Agricultural Education Program Coordinator at Clemson University and Chairman of the Pendleton School District Board of Trustees, and Dr. Gary Burgess, Superintendent of the Pendleton Schools, arranged for the Pendleton High School Band to perform at the Ceremony

Ethan Sansbury, a member of the Latta FFA Chapter and a former State FFA Officer, was presented the American FFA Degree. His Advisor, Annette Kirton congratulates him.

State Representative William D. Witherspoon, Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, met with the State FFA Officers and introduced them to the members of the SC House of Representatives while they were in session.

State FFA Officers Michael Burdette, Shane Grice, Emily Waggoner, Jacob Powers, Stephen Tyner, and Jason Gore were introduced in the House of Representatives chamber.

State Representative Ronald Townsend (center), Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee, met with the State FFA Officers.

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Last Update: 2/27/2006
This page is maintained by Brenda Baldwin.
Questions or comments should be sent to John Parris (scffa@bellsouth.net)


Manning FFA Color Guard members Lane Ham (left) and De-Quan Williams with their Advisor Michael Haynes, Agricultural Education teacher at Manning High School; Governor Mark Sanford and State FFA President Stephen Tyner.	Jessica Hook, President of the Lexington FFA Chapter, sang the National Anthem.	York FFA member Samuel Hall (right) presented Governor Sanford a flat of hydroponic tomatoes and a bucket of fresh-from-the-farm strawberries produced on his family farm near York. State FFA President Stephen Tyner looks on approvingly.

State Representative Jeffrey D. Duncan presented a Concurrent Resolution approved by the House and Senate to the State FFA officers.	Jennifer Perdue, a member of the McBee FFA Chapter and former State FFA Officer, was presented the American FFA Degree at the Ceremony. Looking on are her Advisor, W. Pat Earle, State FFA President Stephen Tyner and State Vice President Jacob Powers.	Senator Nikki Setzler of Lexington presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Lexington, Pelion and Gilbert FFA advisors and chapter presidents as Governor Sanford and State FFA President Stephen Tyner look on.

Dr. Tom Dobbins (left), Agricultural Education Program Coordinator at Clemson University and Chairman of the Pendleton School District Board of Trustees, and Dr. Gary Burgess, Superintendent of the Pendleton Schools, arranged for the Pendleton High School Band to perform at the Ceremony	Ethan Sansbury, a member of the Latta FFA Chapter and a former State FFA Officer, was presented the American FFA Degree. His Advisor, Annette Kirton congratulates him.	State Representative William D. Witherspoon, Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, met with the State FFA Officers and introduced them to the members of the SC House of Representatives while they were in session.

State FFA Officers Michael Burdette, Shane Grice, Emily Waggoner, Jacob Powers, Stephen Tyner, and Jason Gore were introduced in the House of Representatives chamber.		State Representative Ronald Townsend (center), Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee, met with the State FFA Officers.