Gwen McPhail
WEST OAK FFA CHAPTER TO RECEIVE NATIONAL AWARD
COLUMBIA, SC….The West Oak High School FFA Chapter will receive the National FFA Three Star Award at a Recognition Banquet during the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, October 20-23, 2010, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA Association. “The Three Star Award is the highest level of recognition available to a select few FFA chapters from the 520,000 member National FFA Organization,” Mr. Parris said.
The National FFA Chapter Awards Program is co-sponsored by the Ford Motor Company and John Deere as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that implement a Program of Activities designed to provide members an opportunity to excel in student, chapter or community development experiences.
West Oak High School Agricultural Education instructor Gwen McPhail serves as the West Oak FFA advisor and is assisted by Agricultural Educators Krista Price and Randi Leigh Baxley. Recently retired Agricultural Educator Stanley Gibson served as an advisor for a number of years.
Mr. Parris stated that Oconee County native Meghan McPhail Wood, daughter of Neil and Gwen McPhail, has led the Aiken High School FFA Chapter to qualify for a National Three Star Award this year. “It is very special that a mother and daughter from Oconee County are among the outstanding Agricultural Educators in the nation to be recognized at the National FFA Convention, “ Mr. Parris added.
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.