Saluda FFA team members (in front) are Alejandra Sanchez, Curt Berry and
Natalie Proctor.
Standing in back is FFA Advisor Amanda Nichols with team members
Gabe Cecil,
Ryan Martin,
Dakota Smith and Devin Bingham.
Jimmy Walters, an Urban Forester with the SC State Commission of Forestry is at right.
SALUDA FFA TEAM TAKES TOP HONORS IN WOODLAND CLINIC
The Saluda High School FFA Forestry team took first place honors in the Woodland Skills Clinic held at Baker Creek State Park in McCormick County in April, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA organization.
Team members Alejandra Sanchez, Curt Berry, Natalie Proctor, Gabe Cecil, Ryan Martin, Dakota Smith and Devin Bingham were coached by FFA Advisor Amanda Nichols, Agricultural Education instructor at Saluda High. The chapter received a $200 check and each team member was presented a Tree Identification book. Curt Berry, the second high scorer in the overall event, received a check for $150. The students competed in four events including tree and pest identification, tree measurement, compass and pacing and tool identification.
The clinic, sponsored by the Ninety Six District Resource Conservation and Development Council, is a career day highlighted by a forestry competition where students interact with foresters and natural resource professionals from the SC State Forestry Commission, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the SC Department of Natural Resources, the US Forest Service and Conservation District Commissioners.
Area high schools with teams included Saluda, Abbeville Career Center, Dixie, Strom Thurmond Technology Center, Calhoun Falls Charter School and Clinton.