LUMBERTON — The Agricultural Education program at Lumberton High School has been selected by the North Carolina Agriculture Teachers Association as the 2026 Outstanding Middle/Secondary Program of the Year.
The prestigious statewide honor recognizes agricultural education programs that demonstrate excellence in classroom instruction, experiential learning, and community impact over the past five years.
The recognition highlights the continued success of Lumberton High School’s Agricultural Education and FFA programs, as well as the dedication of students, educators, administrators, and community supporters who have contributed to the program’s growth and impact.
“I am incredibly proud to announce that the Lumberton High School Agricultural Education program has been selected for this honor,” said Candace W. Grimsley, an FFA adviser at Lumberton High School.
“This award is a direct reflection of the collaborative environment we’ve built here. I am so fortunate to work alongside such dedicated teaching partners, and this achievement truly belongs to our entire team. Together, we have worked hard to ensure our students receive top-tier classroom instruction and impactful FFA experiences,” she said.
The award recognizes programs that successfully integrate rigorous agricultural instruction with hands-on learning opportunities and leadership development through FFA participation.
Lumberton High School’s Agricultural Education program has continued to provide students with opportunities to develop career-ready skills while engaging in meaningful experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world agricultural practices and leadership development.
The program will be formally recognized during the Career and Technical Education Summer Conference in Winston-Salem this July.
“This achievement speaks to the commitment and passion of our agricultural education team and the incredible opportunities being provided to students at Lumberton High School,” said Public Schools of Robeson County Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson. “We are proud of the impact this program continues to make in preparing students for future success while strengthening connections between education and our community.”