Governor Mark Sanford congratulates FFA Alumnus Alex Gleason.
GLEASON RECIEVES GOVERNOR’S PHYSICAL FITNESS AWARD
COLUMBIA, SC…Former State FFA Officer Alex D. Gleason of Calhoun Falls, a senior at Erskine College, was named recipient of the Governor’s Individual Physical Fitness Award at a ceremony during the University of South Carolina-Auburn football game, Thursday evening, September 28, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA Association.
The awards program is coordinated by the Governor’s Physical Fitness Council and is designed to honor outstanding leaders in the field of physical activity. The Council was established by Executive Order in 1972 by Governor John C. West and is one of the oldest councils in the country. The Council promotes the health and well-being of South Carolinians of all ages by encouraging physical activity and fitness.
An alumnus of the Calhoun Falls FFA Chapter, Gleason brought national attention to the South Carolina FFA Association last year by bicycling across the nation promoting physical fitness and healthy living. His trip, known as Expedition Nutrition, was designed to reach FFA members and others with a message about the importance of healthy eating and exercise. He appeared on TV and radio news programs nation-wide including a live interview on the nationally syndicated AGRI-TALK radio show which originates out of St. Louis Missouri. His arrival in Charleston on August 12 was reported by three major TV networks, newspapers and the Associated Press. He appeared as a special guest on the RFD-TV Network “FFA Today” Show which originates out of Nashville, Tennessee, and hosted by nationally recognized farm broadcasters Orion Samuelson and Max Armstrong. Gleason’s trip was also featured in newspapers and magazines across the nation, including the National FFA’s NEW HORIZION magazine.
Gleason plans to seek advanced degrees in Human Health and Nutrition following graduation from Erskine College.
He is the son of Terry and Sherrie Gleason and his FFA advisor is Calvert Sherard, Agricultural Science Education Teacher at Calhoun Falls High School.
Among his many sponsors were AgSouth Farm Credit, who provided the bicycle for Gleason’s 4000 mile trip, and the South Carolina Agricultural Educators Association.