By: Candace Grimsley
Local FFA chapter celebrates historic success at the 97th North Carolina FFA State Convention
RALEIGH — Lumberton FFA was recognized as the top overall FFA chapter in North Carolina through the National Chapter Award Program during the 97th North Carolina FFA State Convention in Raleigh.
The National Chapter Award Program recognizes chapters that excel in developing student leaders, strengthening agriculture, and building communities through a comprehensive Program of Activities. This recognition reflects the chapter's commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for every student while making a lasting impact on the school and local community.
“Lumberton FFA’s success showcases the opportunities available to our students when passion, hard work, and strong agricultural programs come together,” said Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson. “Being named the top overall FFA chapter in North Carolina is a testament to the outstanding leadership of the chapter advisers and the commitment of these students to service, leadership, and agricultural excellence.”
Thirty-four members of the Lumberton FFA Chapter attended the convention, joining more than 4,000 FFA members from across the state for four days of leadership development, career exploration, competition, and recognition.
Throughout the week, students attended leadership sessions and workshops, explored the agricultural career expo, networked with industry professionals and college representatives, and competed against the best FFA members in North Carolina.
The 97th North Carolina FFA State Convention proved to be one of the most successful conventions in Lumberton FFA history. From state championships and top-three team finishes to prestigious individual recognitions and the election of a State FFA Officer, Lumberton students showcased the leadership, technical skills, work ethic, and dedication that define the chapter.
“These accomplishments reflect the dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, parents, alumni, and community supporters. The Lumberton FFA Chapter continues to exemplify excellence in agricultural education while preparing students for future careers, leadership opportunities, and lifelong success,” said Candace Grimsley, Lumberton FFA adviser.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our students and the recognition they have earned through their commitment, perseverance, and outstanding achievements,” she added.
Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Proficiency Awards
Lumberton FFA students were recognized with 10 State Proficiency Awards, recognizing students whose Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) rank among the best in North Carolina. Proficiency Awards celebrate excellence in work-based learning, entrepreneurship, and agricultural career preparation by evaluating students on the scope, growth, financial success, record keeping, and skills developed through their agricultural experiences.
Two Lumberton members earned the highest honor by being named State Proficiency Award Winners:
Laiken Wilcox – Agricultural Communications (State Winner)
Chayden Locklear – Diversified Agricultural Production (State Winner)
Being named a State Proficiency Winner signifies that these students have developed one of the premier agricultural experience programs in North Carolina and will represent the state at the national level of competition.
American FFA Degree
Three Lumberton FFA members were recognized for earning the American FFA Degree, the highest degree bestowed by the National FFA Organization.
Recipients included:
Brittlyn Stubbs
Isaac Simmons
Ivey Nolley
Less than one percent of all FFA members nationwide earn this distinguished honor. The degree recognizes years of outstanding Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, significant leadership involvement, community service, and financial success within agriculture.
State FFA Degrees
Seventeen Lumberton FFA members earned the North Carolina State FFA Degree, one of the highest honors the North Carolina FFA Association can bestow upon its members.
The State Degree recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment through classroom achievement, leadership development, agricultural work experiences, community service, and active participation in FFA. Earning the State Degree represents years of dedication and is considered a significant milestone in an FFA member's career.
Honorary State FFA Degree
Mrs. Candace Grimsley was honored with the Honorary North Carolina State FFA Degree.
The Honorary State Degree is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to agricultural education and the North Carolina FFA Association. This prestigious recognition acknowledges years of dedication to developing student leaders, supporting agricultural education, and advancing the mission of FFA across North Carolina.
State Star Award Finalists
Two Lumberton FFA members were selected as finalists for one of the most prestigious individual recognitions in North Carolina FFA.
Russell Wilcox – State Foundational SAE Star Award Finalist
Trevin Lowry – State Star in Agricultural Placement Finalist
To become finalists, students first submitted comprehensive applications documenting the growth, success, and impact of their agricultural experience programs. After being selected among the top applicants statewide, both students advanced to the final interview round held during the State Convention, where they interviewed before a panel of judges competing for the state title.
Career Development Event Results
Lumberton students demonstrated exceptional technical knowledge and career readiness by competing in numerous Career Development Events (CDEs), which simulate real-world agricultural careers.
State Champion
1st Place – Creed Speaking
Brayden Patterson
Brayden captured the State Championship in Creed Speaking by delivering the FFA Creed from memory and successfully answering judges' questions demonstrating his understanding of agriculture, leadership, and the values of the FFA organization.
Team Results
2nd Place – Parliamentary Procedure
Esmeralda Pedro
Riley Patterson
Laiken Wilcox
Jace Wilson
Emmaleigh Higgins
Dylan Thomas
The Parliamentary Procedure team demonstrated exceptional knowledge of Robert's Rules of Order, teamwork, and leadership while conducting a mock business meeting and completing a written examination.
3rd Place – Milk Quality & Products
Maggie Brixey
Russell Wilcox
Liseth Diaz Cedano
Mackenzie Britt
Students evaluated dairy products, identified defects, graded milk quality, and demonstrated knowledge of the dairy industry.
3rd Place – Meats Evaluation
Tagen Wilcox
Rexford Parker
Lainey Pittman
Dalton Tyner
Students evaluated beef, pork, and lamb carcasses and retail cuts while demonstrating industry knowledge related to meat science.
4th Place – Forestry
Russell Wilcox
Waylen Willoughby
Liam Covington
Lucas Drennan
Students demonstrated extensive knowledge of forestry practices, tree identification, forest management, and timber measurement.
7th Place – Nursery/Landscape
Leyla Boganwright
Samantha Wright
Bryce Hunt
Zoey Cox
8th Place – Agronomy
Lucas Drennan
Nathan King
Lily-Kate McLean
Davis Williams
11th Place – Tool Identification
Paul Smith
Samantha Wright
Lily-Kate McLean
Elliott Humphrey
18th Place – Food Science
Brayden Patterson
Dylan Thomas
Jace Wilson
Esmeralda Pedro
Spanish Creed Speaking
Lindsay Diaz Cedano
Agriscience Fair
Lumberton students also excelled in the North Carolina FFA Agriscience Fair, where members conduct scientific research and present their findings through written reports and interviews.
Results included:
1st Place
Kamryn Drayton
Food Products & Processing Systems – Division III
2nd Place
Lainey Pittman & Anna Rice
Animal Systems - Division VI
4th Place
Mariska Thompson & Alexis Tyner
Food Products & Processing Systems – Division IV
These awards recognize students for applying the scientific method to solve real-world agricultural problems and effectively communicating their research findings.
Leadership & Convention Service
In addition to competing and receiving awards, several Lumberton FFA members were selected to serve in leadership roles throughout the State Convention.
Convention Talent
Kamryn Drayton was selected to perform as part of the Session 6 Convention Talent, showcasing her talents before thousands of FFA members, advisors, and guests during one of the convention's general sessions.
Courtesy Corps
Esmeralda Pedro
Maggie Brixey
Riley Patterson
These members were selected to serve on the North Carolina FFA Courtesy Corps, assisting convention staff with welcoming guests, supporting convention logistics, and ensuring the smooth operation of the State Convention. Serving on Courtesy Corps is a leadership opportunity that allows members to represent both their chapter and the North Carolina FFA Association while serving fellow members throughout the week.
State Officer Election
The convention concluded with one of the most exciting moments in Lumberton FFA history.
Laiken Wilcox was elected to serve as the 2026–2027 North Carolina FFA State Vice President, serving in the Secretary Station.
After an extensive selection process that included written examinations, interviews, speeches, facilitation activities, and leadership assessments, Laiken was elected to represent more than 50,000 FFA members statewide.
As a State FFA Officer, Laiken will spend the next year traveling throughout North Carolina conducting leadership workshops, visiting local chapters, representing agricultural education at state and national events, and serving as an ambassador for the North Carolina FFA Association.
