Thurmond FFA Advisor Darla Steele (left) congratulates State Champion FFA Forestry team members
Andrew Wilhelm, Zach Rearden, Adam Walter and Taylor Corley.
State FFA Vice President Gordon Best of Loris is at right.
THURMOND FFA FORESTRY TEAM TO COMPETE IN NATIONAL FINALS
COLUMBIA, SC… The Strom Thurmond Technology Center FFA Forestry Team took first place honors in the state finals held at the Harbison State Forest near Columbia, SC, recently, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA organization.
As a result of this major accomplishment, team members Zach Rearden, Andrew Wilhelm, Adam Walter and Taylor Corley along with Darla S. Steele, Agricultural Education instructor and FFA advisor at the Center, were awarded expense paid trips by the SC FFA Foundation to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, later this year to compete in the National Forestry Finals. Zach Rearden was the high individual scorer and Andrew Wilhelm took second place individual honors in the state event. The Thurmond team was co-sponsored at the state level by Reg Williams, President of Log Creek Timber Company, Edgefield, SC.
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| Gilbert FFA Advisor Derrick Cooper (left) congratulates Forestry team members Kenny Keisler, Larry O’Neil, Drew Mills, Brad Keisler and Alex Derrick |
Gilbert High School FFA members Kenny Keisler, Brad Keisler, Larry R. O’Neil and Drew Mills were named the State Runner-Up team. Kenny Keisler was the third high scorer and Brad Keisler was fourth in the competition. They were coached by Derrick Cooper, Agricultural Education instructor and FFA advisor at Gilbert.
Belton-Honea Path members Elliott Dunn, Deion Latimer, Jesse Craigo and Taylor Snipes took third place honors in the state event. They were coached by Glenn Stevens, Agricultural Education instructor and FFA advisor at Belton-Honea Path high school,
The hands-on natural resource educational event was planned and conducted by State Commission of Forestry professionals with assistance from Clemson University Agricultural Education staff.
“The forestry career development event is among the most scientifically-oriented competitions sponsored by the SC FFA organization for Agricultural Education students in South Carolina,” Mr. Parris said.
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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Belton-Honea Path High School FFA Advisor Glenn Stevens (left) congratulates Forestry team members Jesse Craigo, Elliott Dunn, Deion Latimer and Taylor Snipes. |