Midland Valley's FFA honored by national group

The National FFA organization recently selected the Midland Valley High School FFA Chapter as a Gold Emblem winner in the National FFA Chapter Award program.

The chapter also was recognized as a 3-Star Gold Emblem Chapter, the highest ranking that an FFA chapter can receive on the national level.

Midland Valley was among just 262 chapters nationwide to receive this honor. With 7,200 chapters nationwide, this places Midland Valley in the top 3 percent of FFA chapters across the country.

The awards program is a special project of the National FFA Foundation, honoring FFA chapters for developing and conducting a detailed Program of Activities. Each activity provides opportunities for members to excel in one of three areas: student, chapter, or community development. Every year, chapters are recognized as having earned a one-, two- or the highest three-star rating on their applications.

Last weekend, four FFA members - Stephen Lowe, Katelyn Montgomery, Brandon Barefoot and Wesley McDaniel - participated in the first round of a wildlife management competition in Georgetown. They are waiting for the results.

National FFA Week starts next week and will focus on leadership skills, Jeremy Brooks said.

The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission 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.

For more information regarding the agriculture program at Midland Valley High School, contact Jeremy Brooks at the high school, (803) 593-7142 or visit the agriculture program website at www.midlandvalleyffa.com.

Senior writer Rob Novit contributed to this article.