Barnwell County Career Center FFA Participates in South Carolina FFA Legislator Appreciation Day
![A group of students in navy blue blazers stands on a paved path in the foreground, with a large neoclassical government building and bare winter trees in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773173704/bsd45net/vjkajrwoy1gbygkyolc1/ffaCapitol.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1773173704/bsd45net/vjkajrwoy1gbygkyolc1/ffaCapitol.jpg","width":480}])
On Wednesday, February 26, 2026, Barnwell County Career Center (BCCC) FFA members joined hundreds of Future Farmers of America (FFA) students from across the state at the South Carolina State House for FFA Legislator Appreciation Day, proudly representing their chapter in their official blue jackets.
Representative Hosey poses for a photo with our FFA students.
During the visit, students had the opportunity to meet with Representative Lonnie Hosey, where they learned more about his work on behalf of Barnwell County and personally thanked him for his continued support of agricultural education and the FFA program.
Students also toured the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA), where they heard from Commissioner Hugh Weathers’ Executive Assistant, Cristina Key, and Assistant Commissioner, Aaron Wood. During the visit, students learned about the day-to-day operations of the department and the wide range of projects managed by the SCDA in support of agriculture across the state. Mrs. Key and Mr. Wood also shared information about internship opportunities available to students through the Department of Agriculture.
The BCCC FFA group visited with Christina Key, Executive Assistant to Commissioner Hugh Weathers, and Aaron Wood, the Assistant Commissioner.
While at the State House, BCCC FFA members were excited to reconnect with the Guinyard-Butler Middle School FFA chapter for a group photo. This marked a special milestone for Guinyard-Butler students, as it was their first official FFA activity wearing their brand-new FFA jackets.
The day concluded with the Legislative Day Ceremony held on the steps of the State House. The ceremony featured remarks from South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers, Senator Wes Climer, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, and Representative Bill Hixon, Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
During the ceremony, Senator Climer and Representative Hixon presented South Carolina State FFA President Thomas Marshall with the FFA Week Joint Resolution, officially recognizing the impact of FFA and agricultural education across the state.
BCCC FFA members connected with the Guinyard-Butler Middle School FFA chapter for a group photo.
“Opportunities like FFA Legislator Appreciation Day allow our students to see firsthand how agriculture, leadership, and public service intersect,” said Dr. Crissie Stapleton, Superintendent of Barnwell County School District. “Experiences such as this help students understand the impact they can have beyond the classroom and inspire them to become informed, engaged leaders within their communities and the field of agriculture.”
Barnwell County Career Center FFA is proud to provide students with opportunities that connect classroom learning to leadership, civic engagement, and real-world experiences in agriculture.
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BCCC FFA Participates in South Carolina FFA Legislator Appreciation Day
For more information, contact:
Barnwell County School District Superintendent Office
Phone: (803) 541-3590
Email: cstapleton@bcsd.net