Barnwell County Career Center FFA Shines at 98th South Carolina FFA Convention
![A group of students in navy blue blazers stands in the foreground before the stone wall of the Greenville Convention Center.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1758288805/bsd45net/sbxbs8cevw9iiavbg2v8/ffa20250919.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1758288805/bsd45net/sbxbs8cevw9iiavbg2v8/ffa20250919.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1758288805/bsd45net/sbxbs8cevw9iiavbg2v8/ffa20250919.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1758288805/bsd45net/sbxbs8cevw9iiavbg2v8/ffa20250919.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1758288805/bsd45net/sbxbs8cevw9iiavbg2v8/ffa20250919.jpg","width":1440}])
The Barnwell County Career Center Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter proudly represented Barnwell County School District (BCSD) at the 98th South Carolina FFA Convention and Expo held June 17th through 19th in Greenville, SC. Eight members attended the three-day event, participating in workshops, general sessions, and state-level competitions.
The convention provided students with invaluable opportunities to network with fellow FFA members from across South Carolina, explore career pathways in the agricultural industry, and develop personal and professional skills that will serve them well in the future. The Barnwell County Career Center FFA chapter’s participation exemplifies their ongoing commitment to leadership and growth within agricultural education.
AgriScience Fair State Champion
Barnwell County Career Center (BCCC) student Abigail Corley achieved a remarkable honor by earning the title of State Champion in the AgriScience Fair Research Project competition, Power Structures and Technology Division, at the 98th Annual South Carolina FFA Convention. Her award-winning project focused on comparing various welding techniques to determine the most effective methods for in-field reparative welding—an issue of practical importance to farmers and agricultural professionals.
Through hands-on experimentation and thorough research, Abigail explored the strengths, weaknesses, and real-world applications of different welding strategies commonly used in agricultural settings. Her findings not only demonstrated technical skill and scientific rigor but also offered valuable insights that could help improve equipment maintenance practices on farms.
Abigail’s hard work, innovation, and dedication to solving real-world problems have earned her the opportunity to advance to the National FFA Convention this fall, where she will represent both Barnwell County and the state of South Carolina on the national stage.
In addition to her agriculture program, Abigail also gave credit to Mr. Louis Fulmer, BCCC Welding Instructor, for assisting her throughout her project.
“Abigail’s achievement reflects the power of hands-on, career-connected learning,” said Dr. Crissie Stapleton, BCSD Superintendent. “Her success is a testament to the quality of the agricultural education programs offered at the Barnwell County Career Center and the support of educators who inspire students to pursue excellence in agricultural science. We are incredibly proud of Abigail and look forward to cheering her on at the national level.”
David Augustine, Director of the BCCC, added, “Abigail's accomplishments highlight both the impressive skill and the determination needed to stand out at the state level. Her dedication shows how hands-on learning empowers individuals to achieve remarkable things in their chosen field.”
State Proficiency Award Winner and State FFA Degree Recipient
Grant Whitman, a 2025 graduate and former FFA President, was named the State Proficiency Award Winner in Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance. This award highlights his four years of dedication to FFA, demonstrating advanced technical skills and hands-on agricultural experience. His application will now move forward for evaluation at the National FFA Convention.
In addition, Grant received the prestigious State FFA Degree, the highest honor the South Carolina FFA Association can bestow. This degree recognizes exceptional commitment to leadership, community service, and supervised agricultural experience (SAE) projects.
About Barnwell County Career Center’s FFA Program
Barnwell County School District is committed to preparing all students for success beyond graduation. Through programs like FFA, students gain real-world skills, leadership opportunities, and experiences that shape future careers and lives. The Barnwell County Career Center’s FFA chapter is part of the National FFA Organization, a premier youth leadership program that prepares students for careers in agriculture and beyond. Through coursework, competitions, and supervised agricultural experiences, students develop critical skills in leadership, teamwork, and hands-on technical knowledge.
Under the guidance of BCSD Agriculture teachers and FFA advisors Christle Gleaton and Desiree Still, the program continues to grow and thrive. Students are encouraged to pursue innovative projects, participate in career development events, and serve their community while preparing for future opportunities in agricultural and technical fields.
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Barnwell County Career Center FFA Shines at 98th South Carolina FFA Convention
For more information, contact:Barnwell County School District Superintendent Office
Phone: (803) 541-3590
Email: cstapleton@bcsd.net