Horry-Georgetown Technical College Forestry Academic Chair Brian J. Clark (left) with Gilbert FFA Forestry Team members Samantha Mack, Nathan Price, Michael Emmer and Zachary Taylor and Horry-Georgetown Technical College Forestry Professor DeAnna Eddy.
GILBERT FFA FORESTRY TEAM HEADED TO NATIONAL FINALS
COLUMBIA, SC…The Gilbert High School FFA Forestry Team took first place honors in the state finals held at the Georgetown campus of the Horry-Georgetown Technical College recently, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA organization. “This is the second consecutive year a Gilbert team has taken top honors in the state FFA Forestry Finals,” he said.
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| Gilbert FFA Advisor Derrick Cooper (left) with team members Samantha Mack, Nathan Price, Michael Emmer and Zachary Taylor. |
Team members Samantha Mack, Nathan Price, Michael Emmer and Zachary Taylor along with FFA Advisor Derrick Cooper were awarded expense-paid trips to the 2008 National FFA Convention to compete in the national finals. Samantha Mack was the high individual scorer. Zachary Taylor was the second high scorer and Michael Emmer came in as the third high scorer in the statewide competition.
Barnwell County Career Center FFA members Ralph Bodiford, Jonathan Gray, Cassie Simmons, Paul Thomas and Denis Pressley were named the State Runner-up team. They were coached by Mindy Sandifer, Agricultural Education Instructor and FFA Advisor at the center.
Strom Thurmond team members Forest Coleman, Zack Rearden, Josh Corley and Sam Northrop placed third in the state finals. Their coach was Hugh Bland, Agricultural Education Instructor and FFA Advisor at the center.
The State Forestry Career Development Event is sponsored and conducted by Horry-Georgetown Technical College with assistance from Clemson University Agricultural Education administrative staff. Additionally, Resource Management Services headquartered in Georgetown, presented each of the championship team members a personalized pocket safety orange timber cruising vest.
Brian J. Clark, Academic Chair for Forestry, Wildlife, Timber Harvesting and Welding Programs at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, coordinated the event with assistance from DeAnna Eddy, Professor of Forestry Management Technology.
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.
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| Barnwell FFA Forestry Team members (seated left to right) Jonathan Gray, Cassie Simmons and Denis Pressley. Standing (from left) Brian J. Clark, Mindy Sandifer, team members Ralph Bodiford and Paul Thomas with DeAnna Eddy and State FFA Vice President William Nelson. |
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Thurmond FFA Advisor Hugh Bland (left) with Forestry Team members Forest Coleman, Zack Rearden, Josh Corley and Sam Northrop. |