LUMBERTON — The Lumberton FFA Chapter recently celebrated another successful year during its Annual Awards Banquet held at the Southeastern Agricultural Center. Approximately 275 members, parents, sponsors, alumni, school officials, and community supporters attended the event to recognize the accomplishments and leadership of FFA members throughout the 2025–2026 school year.
The evening featured special guest speaker Josiah Saravia, who inspired members with a message centered around leadership, service and personal growth through FFA.
Lumberton FFA Chapter earns top 3 recognition in North Carolina
During the ceremony, the chapter proudly announced that the Lumberton FFA Chapter has been selected as a Top 3 Chapter in North Carolina through the National Chapter Award Program and will be recognized during the 97th North Carolina FFA State Convention this June.
The Lumberton FFA Chapter continues to provide students with opportunities to develop leadership, personal growth, career readiness, and agricultural skills while positively impacting their school and community.
Greenhand and Chapter Degree Recipients recognized
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of Greenhand Degrees to 31 first-year FFA members. The Greenhand Degree recognizes students who have demonstrated knowledge of FFA history, creed, motto and agricultural education while becoming active participants within the chapter. The Star Greenhand Award, presented to the most outstanding first-year member based on participation and involvement, was awarded to Brayden Patterson.
Chapter Degrees were also presented to deserving members who demonstrated continued growth and participation within the organization. The Star Chapter Award, recognizing the most outstanding Chapter Degree recipient, was awarded to Esmeralda Pedro Cuevas for her exceptional leadership, competition success and dedication to the chapter.
Seventeen members received the prestigious State FFA Degree, the highest degree awarded at the state level by the North Carolina FFA Association. Recipients included Ethan Gray, Luke Britt, Liseth Diaz Cedano, Bryson Hester, EmmaLeigh Higgins, Jarrett Hunt, Nathan King, Timothy Lowery, Trevin Lowry, Kayleigh McRae, Kaylan Stewart, Tehya Strickland, Russell Wilcox, Tagen Wilcox, Cole Wilkerson, and Davis Williams. The State Degree recognizes members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, participation, community service, and success in their Supervised Agricultural Experience programs.
Members earn prestigious state and American FFA Degree designations
The chapter also celebrated major accomplishments in agricultural experience programs. Chase Lowry was recognized as a Top 3 finalist in the state for the State Star Placement Award, one of the highest honors in North Carolina FFA recognizing excellence in agricultural employment and work-based learning experiences.
Three chapter members were also recognized for earning the American FFA Degree, the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization. Recipients included Isaac Simmons, Brittlyn Stubbs, and Shaun Henderson. Fewer than one percent of FFA members nationwide earn this prestigious honor.
The Honorary Chapter Degree was presented to Herman Carmichael, LHS staff member, for his continued support and dedication to the Lumberton FFA Chapter and its members.
Agricultural experience and leadership excellence honored
The banquet also recognized members for participation through the chapter’s point system. Throughout their high school careers, students earn points through involvement in Career and Leadership Development Events, conferences, community service, meetings, and chapter activities. Students accumulating between 5,000 and 10,000 points earned Bronze Medals, including Trevin Chase Lowry, Ethan Hunt, Russell Wilcox and Tagen Wilcox.
Silver Medals, awarded to students earning between 10,000 and 15,000 points, were presented to Nathan King, Kayleigh McRae and Timmy Woods.
Gold Medals, awarded to members accumulating more than 15,000 points throughout their FFA career, were presented to Liseth Diaz Cedano, Lucas Drennan, Anhaya Munoz, Riley Patterson, Dylan Thomas, Laiken Wilcox and Davis Williams.
Scholarships and special awards presented
The Lumberton FFA Alumni also awarded scholarships to Timothy Lowery, Laiken Wilcox, Lucas Drennan and Russell Wilcox in support of their future educational and career goals.
Additional major awards included the DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award presented to Chase Lowry. This national award recognizes outstanding scholarship, leadership, work ethic, and dedication to agriculture.
Laiken Wilcox was recognized multiple times throughout the evening, receiving the Outstanding Senior Award, Member of the Year Award and the prestigious Danny Kinlaw Award. The Danny Kinlaw Award recognizes the senior member who accumulated the highest number of points throughout their entire FFA career. Wilcox accumulated more than 65,000 points during her four years in the chapter while competing in 32 Career and Leadership Development Events and earning three State Championship titles.
2026-2027 Officer Team announced
The banquet concluded with the announcement of the 2026–2027 Lumberton FFA Chapter Officer Team:
President: EmmaLeigh Higgins
Vice President: Esmeralda Pedro
Secretary: Kamryn Drayton
Treasurer: Jace Wilson
Reporter: Brayden Patterson
Sentinel: Waylen Willoughby
“Our banquet is more than just an awards ceremony, it's a celebration of the countless hours, leadership, service, and dedication our members invest throughout the year. I couldn't be more proud of our students and officers. Watching them grow, achieve their goals, and be recognized for their accomplishments is the highlight of our year. The success of Lumberton FFA is a direct reflection of the incredible young people we have in our program,” said Candace Grimsley, who serves as an LHS FFA adviser.