WILLIAMS RECIEVES NATIONAL FFA VIP AWARD
COLUMBIA, SC…Drefus Williams of Sumter, a retired Agricultural Educator, was presented the VIP Award by the National FFA Organization during a nationally televised ceremony at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA Association. The prestigious award was presented to Mr. Williams in recognition of his significant contributions to agricultural science education, the NFA and FFA since 1953.
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| Drefus Williams (center) with Dr. Larry Case (left), National FFA Advisor, Washington, DC; and Billy Keels, State Director of Agricultural Education, Columbia, SC. |
Mr. Williams, a graduate of Lincoln High School in Sumter, received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from the Colored Normal, Industrial, Agricultural and Mechanical College in Orangeburg and a Masters Degree in Education from South Carolina State University. He began his agricultural education teaching career at Columbus High School in Lake View. From there he moved to his hometown of Pinewood in Sumter County to teach agricultural education and serve as advisor to the New Farmers of America (NFA) and later the Future Farmers of America (FFA). During his long and successful career, Mr. Williams inspired hundreds of students to achieve greatness in their chosen professional career. Sumter native and State Director of Agricultural Education, William E. Keels, is a former student of Mr. Williams.
A recipient of the Honorary American FFA Degree, Mr. Williams also received the National H.O. Sargent Award from the National FFA Organization for his promotion of diversity in agricultural education in South Carolina.
The National FFA Organization has more than 495,000 members from every state, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The mission of the organization 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.