NC High School FFA Named Top 3 Chapter in State

A North Carolina high school agriculture program just proved that rural education is alive, thriving, and producing tomorrow's leaders at record levels.

Lumberton High School's FFA chapter earned recognition as a top-3 chapter in North Carolina and will be honored at the state convention in June. The achievement caps a year where 275 members built leadership skills through hands-on agricultural programs that teach everything from career readiness to community service.

The chapter celebrated its wins at an annual awards banquet at the Southeastern Agricultural Center. Thirty-one first-year students received Greenhand Degrees for mastering FFA history and agricultural basics, while 17 members earned the prestigious State FFA Degree for outstanding leadership and community impact.

Three students reached the pinnacle of FFA achievement by earning the American FFA Degree, an honor fewer than 1% of members nationwide receive. Isaac Simmons, Brittlyn Stubbs, and Shaun Henderson joined an elite group recognized for excellence in agricultural education and experience.

Senior Laiken Wilcox became a standout success story by accumulating more than 65,000 participation points across four years. She competed in 32 career and leadership events, won three state championships, and swept major awards including Member of the Year and the Danny Kinlaw Award for highest career points.

The chapter's point system rewards students for competing in events, attending conferences, completing community service, and staying active in chapter activities. Seven students earned gold medals for surpassing 15,000 career points, while dozens more earned bronze and silver recognition.

The Ripple Effect

Programs like Lumberton FFA create pathways for students who might not see college as their only option. Through supervised agricultural experience programs, members gain real-world job skills and workplace learning that translates directly into careers.

Chase Lowry finished as a top-three state finalist for the Star Placement Award, recognizing excellence in agricultural employment. The chapter also awarded scholarships to four graduating seniors pursuing future education and career goals in agriculture.

Guest speaker Josiah Saravia reinforced the program's core message during the banquet: leadership, service, and personal growth matter as much as classroom grades. Chapter adviser Candace Grimsley said watching students achieve their goals remains the highlight of every year.

The newly announced officer team for next year ensures the chapter's momentum continues, with EmmaLeigh Higgins leading as president.