NATIONAL FFA PRESIDENT TO ADDRESS CLEMSON CONVENTION
CLEMSON, SC…National FFA President Beau Williamson of California will be the keynote speaker at the 80 th annual convention of the South Carolina FFA Association set for Clemson University, June 13-15, 2007, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA organization. Williamson, 20, is a freshman at California State University, Fresno, majoring in Agricultural Education with a minor in Public Relations.
Major General Arnold Fields, United States Marine Corps (retired) and a native of Early Branch, SC, will also address the convention delegates. General Fields served as National Secretary of the New Farmers of America organization in 1963-64.
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Major General Arnold Fields |
Hundreds of FFA members from throughout the state are expected to attend. They will be joined by agricultural education instructors, Clemson University agricultural professionals, agricultural and natural resources agency personnel, secondary school administrators, sponsor representatives and parents.
Other highlights of the conference will include the SC Young Farmer and Agribusiness Association / Clemson University Collegiate FFA Golf Tournament, the FFA Stars Over South Carolina Ceremony, recognition of Outstanding FFA Chapters, presentation of scholarships and awards, and the election of state FFA officers for 2007-08.
State FFA President Amanda Hiott of Williston; Secretary Ashton Berry of Saluda; Vice Presidents Katie McCannon of Pendleton; Tyler Brown of Abbeville; Lara Boyd of Aiken; and Allen Wright of McBee, will conduct the conference.
The FFA, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national organization of 495,000 members enrolled in agriculture science, business and technology courses in secondary schools, community colleges or universities in preparation for one of the more than 300 career opportunities in agriculture. Agriculture is the nation’s number one industry and employs approximately twenty percent of the total work force.
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.