South Harrison FFA Named Outstanding Agricultural Education Program in West Virginia for 4th Consecutive Year

Morgantown, WV – South Harrison FFA has been recognized as the 2024-2025 West Virginia Association of Agricultural Educators (WVAAE) Outstanding Middle/Secondary Program, an honor that distinguishes the chapter as one of the most innovative, high-performing agricultural education programs in the state.

This prestigious award, part of the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Outstanding Middle/Secondary Program initiative, highlights exceptional agriculture programs that provide robust experiential learning and dynamic leadership opportunities for students. The award reflects South Harrison FFA’s achievements and growth from 2020 to 2025.

Led by agricultural educators Mr. John Lockhart and Mr. Kyle Kidwell, the South Harrison Middle/High School Agriculture Education Department serves over 340 students in grades 6–12, with nearly 50% of the total student body actively engaged in Agriculture Courses. The program operates from state-of-the-art facilities, including two greenhouses, an animal processing lab, and two agricultural mechanics laboratories.

Over the past five years, South Harrison FFA has earned over 100 program completers in pathways, including Agribusiness, Plant Systems, Power and Technical Systems, and Animal Processing. Students have obtained more than 50 industry-recognized certifications, such as the Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician and ASMA/Range Meat Academy credentials.

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of the program, with over 60 students earning their State or American FFA Degrees and more than a dozen students receiving State and National Proficiency honors. The chapter has also developed simulated workplace programs—including Hawk’s Country Meats and Hawk’s Greenhouse—where students manage every aspect of agricultural enterprises from planting and processing to marketing and sales.

“We’re preparing students for careers, teaching them to be leaders, and giving them the tools to make a real impact in their communities,” said Mr. Lockhart. The program has also seen great success in the state’s agricultural competitive events, having 13 state champion teams and four runner-up state champion teams since 2020.

Community service and agricultural literacy also play major roles in the program’s success. Students have contributed over 5,000 hours of community service in partnership with organizations like Wreaths Across America, CAMC Children’s Hospital, and Mountaineer Food Bank. FFA members lead STEM lessons in local elementary schools and host plant science and food safety events that serve both youth and adults in the community.

The program’s outstanding visibility and public relations efforts have also earned accolades. In 2023, South Harrison FFA was voted “Best Greenhouse/Nursery Operation in Harrison County” by readers of The Exponent Telegram, further reinforcing the program’s community impact and industry relevance.

South Harrison FFA will now represent West Virginia in the NAAE Region VI competition for the Outstanding Middle/Secondary Agricultural Education Program Award, a national-level recognition scheduled to be awarded later this year.