SC STUDENTS CELEBRATE NATIONAL FFA WEEK
COLUMBIA, SC….A record-breaking number of hundreds of FFA members, advisors and other supporters from throughout the state convened in Columbia on Wednesday, February 20, for a State Legislators Appreciation Day Ceremony and an FFA Week Observance Luncheon.
The event got underway early Wednesday morning for Beau Williamson, 2007 National FFA President of Clovis, California; State FFA Officers Spencer McLeod, Hunter Cooper William Nelson, Desiree Kinneer, Heather Coleman and Brittany Mixson; and North Carolina State FFA Officers Crystal Roberts and Will Baxley. Others in attendance were Clemson University Collegiate FFA officers headed by Amy Williams, president. Clemson University staff in attendance included Billy Keels, Keith Cox, Brenda Baldwin, Dr. Tom Dobbins, Dr. Phil Fravel and Dr. Donnie King. John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA Association, hosted a breakfast for the group at the Capital City Club.
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Spencer McLeod, State FFA President presided over the ceremony. |
The first visit of the day for the group was with State Representative Robert Walker of Landrum, Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee and an FFA alumnus. They also visited with State Representative William D. Witherspoon, Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and an FFA alumnus of Conway, who introduced them to members of the House of Representatives while in session.
Individual FFA chapter members and their advisors were introduced to members of the General Assembly while in session by their respective legislators.
A recognition ceremony, presided over by State FFA President Spencer McLeod and held on the north steps of the State Capital, began at 11 AM with Manning FFA members Allison Ragin, Mercedes Johnson, Lane Ham and Dequan Williams serving as the Color Guard for the Presentation of the Colors. Michael Haynes, Manning Agricultural Education Instructor serves as the advisor to the Color Guard. The National Anthem was sung by Manning FFA members Brooke Smith and Leon Lee. The invocation was offered by Spencer McLeod. State Vice President Brittany Mixson recognized the Manning FFA members who had opened the program and introduced other members of the State Officer Team. State Secretary Hunter Cooper introduced a number of special guests and Heather Coleman introduced Agricultural Educators and FFA members who had been recognized at the national level during the past year.
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Manning FFA members, Brooke Smith and Leon Lee sang the National Anthem. |
State Vice President William Nelson introduced State Senator Daniel Verdin of Laurens, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, who presented the Governor’s Proclamation which declared February 16-23 as FFA Week in South Carolina.
Desiree Kinneer, State Vice President, introduced State Representative Marion Frye, a sub-committee chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and an FFA alumnus, who presented a Concurrent Resolution passed by the SC General Assembly commending FFA members and their advisors for the outstanding agricultural education programs in secondary schools across the state. The Resolution was sponsored by State Representative William D. Witherspoon and co-sponsored by all 124 members of the House of Representatives.
State FFA President Spencer McLeod introduced Beau Williamson, the immediate past president of the National FFA Organization from Clovis, California, who presented Mrs. Betty Stover of Pelion with the prestigious Honorary American FFA Degree. Mrs. Stover has served as the administrative assistant to the SC FFA Foundation for 24 years. Her husband, Frank R. Stover, Sr., retired State Director of Agricultural Education, serves as the executive director of the Foundation.
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State FFA President Spencer McLeod introduced Beau Williamson, 2007 National FFA President. |
A National FFA Week Observance Luncheon, held at Seawell’s Restaurant following the State House Ceremony, was attended by approximately 500 FFA members, advisors and guests. The featured speaker was Beau Williamson who inspired the audience by reminding them that “what they believe is what they will achieve” and challenged them to “soar like the Eagle” in their quest for success.
Spencer McLeod was featured on the South Carolina Radio News Network on Tuesday and Wednesday and Beau Williamson was featured on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday. McLeod was also interviewed by one of the Columbia TV stations prior to the ceremony at the State House.
The Ceremony at the State House and the Luncheon were planned and coordinated by John W. Parris with the SC FFA Association.
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Senator Daniel Verdin of Laurens (center) presented the Governor"s Proclamation. |
Representative Marion Frye presented a Concurrent Resolution from the General Assembly commending the FFA members and their advisors for outstanding agricultural education programs. |
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Beau Williamson presented Mrs. Betty Stover with the Honorary American FFA degree. |
State FFA President Spencer McLeod introduced Beau Williamson, 2007 National FFA President as the featured speaker at the luncheon. |
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Beau WIlliamson, 2007 National FFA President, was the featured speaker at the National FFA Week Observance Luncheon. |
The State FFA Officers presented a South Carolina gift basket to Beau Williamson. |
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Clemson Collegiate FFA Officers and members attended the ceremony. (photo provided) |
Manning FFA members Allison Ragin, Mercedes Johnson, Lane Ham and Dequan Williams served as the Color Guard for the Presentation of the Colors. |
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| The South Carolina State Fair Association recognized the National FFA Week Observance on their marquee. | |