News Release: Barnwell County Career Center FFA Celebrates Outstanding Achievements at 99th South Carolina FFA State Convention

BARNWELL, S.C. – Contributed by: Desiree Still, BCCC FFA Advisor.  Members of the Barnwell County Career Center FFA Chapter returned home with numerous awards, honors, and memories following an outstanding showing at the 99th Annual South Carolina FFA State Convention, held June 16-18, 2026, in Greenville, South Carolina.

From competing in a Career Development Event and participating in service activities to receiving state awards, earning FFA degrees, showcasing musical talent, and electing a member to state office, Barnwell County Career Center students demonstrated the many ways agricultural education and FFA help prepare students for leadership, personal growth, and career success.

Career Development Event Success

The Barnwell CCC FFA Farm Business Management Career Development Event (CDE) Team placed 4th in South Carolina. Team members were Mattilyn Bell, Grace Dorn, Davis Coble, and Timothy Jameson.

In addition to the team's success, Davis Coble was named the 2nd Highest Individual in the state in the Farm Business Management competition.

FFA Career Development Events allow students to apply knowledge and skills learned through agricultural education in competitive, real-world settings.

State SAE Proficiency Award Winners

Two Barnwell CCC FFA members were recognized on stage as state winners in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Proficiency Award areas.

Davis Coble was named the State Winner in Poultry Production for his business, Palmetto Poultry LLC.

Rilee Sandifer was named the State Winner in Diversified Agriculture, highlighting the skills and experiences she has developed through work on her family farm and at the Edisto Research Center.

SAE programs provide FFA members with opportunities to develop hands-on agricultural and career experience outside of the traditional classroom setting.

FFA Degree Recognition

Dr. Crissie Stapleton received the Honorary State FFA Degree in recognition of her dedication and commitment to Barnwell County School District and the Barnwell County Career Center FFA Chapter.

Kaitlyn Redd was recognized for meeting the requirements to receive the American FFA Degree, the highest degree an FFA member can earn. She will officially receive the degree this fall at the 99th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Seven Barnwell CCC FFA members earned the South Carolina FFA State Degree, the highest degree the South Carolina FFA Association can bestow upon a member: Jase Bridges, Davis Coble, Abigail Corley, Cordie Handberry, Timothy Jameson, Cale Peachey, and Rain Washington.

Stars Across South Carolina

Davis Coble was named the Region 4 Star in Agribusiness before going on to receive the top honor of South Carolina FFA State Star in Agribusiness.

Cordie Handberry was named the Region 4 Star Farmer.

Coble also received additional recognition as a Region 4 winner in the Individual FFA Award.

Chapter Recognition

The Barnwell County Career Center FFA Chapter received 100% Plus Membership Recognition and a Superior Rating for National Chapter.

Sharing Her Talent on the State Stage

Barnwell CCC FFA member Dottie Still represented the chapter through the FFA Talent program, delivering two performances featuring vocals and guitar during the convention.

Cale Peachey Elected to State FFA Office

One of the biggest highlights of the convention came when Barnwell CCC FFA member Cale Peachey was elected to serve as the 2026-2027 South Carolina FFA Region 4 State Vice President, serving as Sentinel.

During his year of service, Peachey will have the opportunity to represent FFA members, promote agricultural education, develop leadership skills, and serve alongside fellow state officers throughout South Carolina. His election is an exciting accomplishment for Peachey, the Barnwell County Career Center FFA Chapter, and the community he represents.

Growing the Future of FFA

Barnwell County Career Center was also joined at the convention by members of its middle school FFA chapter. Having younger members attend provided an opportunity for them to experience the excitement of State Convention, build relationships with older members, and see firsthand the opportunities available through continued involvement in agricultural education and FFA.

While the awards and recognitions made the 99th South Carolina FFA State Convention an especially memorable one for Barnwell CCC FFA, the experience represented much more than trophies and titles. The week was about leadership, friendship, service, personal growth, and celebrating students who continue to challenge themselves to become better each day.

The dedication, commitment, hard work, and passion demonstrated by Barnwell County Career Center FFA members continue to strengthen the chapter as it works to remain "Rooted in Excellence."

The Barnwell County Career Center FFA Chapter is part of the National FFA Organization, a school-based national youth leadership development organization for students interested in agriculture and leadership. Through agricultural education, FFA activities, competitions, leadership opportunities, and supervised agricultural experiences, members develop skills that prepare them for successful careers and a lifetime of leadership and service.

MEDIA CONTACT

Desiree Still, BCCC FFA Advisor

Barnwell County Career Center FFA

Barnwell County School District