This past Friday marked a significant moment for Woodland Middle School (WMS) and Woodland High School (WHS) as their Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters were officially chartered. The ceremony commemorated the transfer of the St. George Middle School FFA Charter to Woodland Middle School and established Woodland High School as a newly chartered FFA chapter. Held at Woodland Middle School, the event gathered students, teachers, and key state FFA leaders to celebrate the significance of agricultural education within Dorchester District 4.
FFA officers from both Woodland Middle and High Schools proudly wore their official uniforms and participated in this momentous occasion. The program began with remarks from Lyle Fulmer, State Vice President of the South Carolina FFA from the Governor's School for Agriculture, who welcomed the Woodland chapters to the South Carolina FFA and National FFA organizations. “I am here to represent the entire team in welcoming both the Woodland FFA chapters,” Fulmer declared, officially renaming the St. George Middle School FFA Chapter as the Woodland Middle School FFA Chapter.
Fulmer provided a brief history of FFA, highlighting its origins as an organization designed to prepare youth for successful careers in agriculture. He then introduced Mr. Troy Helms, South Carolina State Director of Agriculture and State FFA Advisor, who congratulated the Woodland schools on this new chapter and spoke about the impact FFA will have on both the schools and the community.
Mr. Helms, joined by Jillian Lash, SC FFA Executive Director from Clemson University, and Mrs. Mindy Sandifer, Program Coordinator for Agricultural Education, spoke on the importance of agricultural education and FFA’s motto, “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” He emphasized that agricultural education offers students more than just classroom learning; it teaches them by doing, prepares them for real-world careers, and equips them with the skills necessary for success after graduation. “In agricultural education, you will not just learn; you will learn by doing. You will not just listen to speeches; you will give speeches. What you learn here will prepare you for a future career,” Helms remarked.
Following these inspirational words, Mr. Fulmer invited Woodland Middle School Principal Mr. Kennedy, WMS Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor Mr. Cody Floyd, WMS FFA President Kaylie Plum, and Mr. Helms to sign the Woodland Middle School FFA Charter, marking the official transfer of the charter. Next, he welcomed Woodland High School’s Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisory Ms. Markie Leonard and WHS FFA President Madilyn Riley to sign the Woodland High School FFA Charter, establishing WHS as a new chapter in the FFA organization.
Fulmer concluded the ceremony with a motivating statement to the students: "You are about to embark on a journey whose destination has no end. We commend you on your willingness to become part of this amazing organization." After the official signing, Mr. Floyd and Ms. Leonard presented certificates to the FFA officers at both Woodland Middle and High Schools, recognizing their leadership and dedication to the program.
The Woodland Middle School PTSO provided refreshments after the ceremony. Their support helped make the event a memorable occasion for all who attended.
Dorchester School District 4 is proud of these students and teachers for their commitment to agricultural education and the FFA. The district looks forward to the continued growth of these chapters and how they will provide students with opportunities to excel both inside and outside the classroom. The addition of FFA at Woodland Middle and High Schools marks a new era in the district’s commitment to hands-on learning and career preparation for its students.