South Carolina Region 2 Leadership Development Event winners, including Upper Greenhand Creed Speaking Champion Makayla Clark (middle).
Through dedication, strategic preparation and a commitment to excellence, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture Aggies have distinguished themselves at local, state and national FFA competitions. From the iconic Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event (LDE) to operating tractors and showing dairy cows, these members are excelling in every arena.
Our first story highlights Makayla Clark, a 16-year-old FFA member from Moncks Corner, S.C. On March 19, she traveled with two LDE competitors and the regional tool identification team to the Cherokee County Institute of Innovation, where she proudly represented her chapter.
“The atmosphere during the event was super exciting, but also really nerve-wracking,” Clark says. “I felt a crazy mix of excitement and nerves while I waited for my turn to present. I had been practicing for so long, and I wanted to do my best! But knowing my peers and my advisor were cheering me on really helped me stay calm and focused. It made a huge difference in how I felt going into it!”
South Carolina Tractor Operations State Champion Chris Warren-Page.
The second story celebrates Chris Warren-Page, the South Carolina tractor driving champion. His journey began in late January when agriculture mechanics teacher and FFA advisor, Mr. Abrams, hosted a chapter runoff for students interested in the competition. Warren-Page was one of four selected to advance and dedicated himself to practicing both during his agriculture classes and after school.
He credits his teammate, Stafford Chou, for pushing him to stay ready. “Stafford pushed me to keep improving,” he says. “We motivated each other through the process.” Their teamwork and determination earned the team a third-place finish at regionals and first place in the state.
Stafford Chou (left) and Chris Warren-Page (right) at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture’s annual “Ag Fest.”
Our final spotlight is on senior TyMere Morton, the 2024 South Carolina champion dairy handler and a national silver level individual. Throughout his three years at the Governor’s School for Agriculture, Morton has competed in numerous FFA events and consistently earned high placements with his team. A seasoned showman since childhood, he’s shown everything from beef cattle to pigs.
In March, Morton brought his talents to the T. Ed Garrison Arena in Clemson, S.C., where he proudly represented his chapter at the state competition. He shared a key piece of advice that fueled his success: “Keep your eyes on the prize!”
TyMere Morton before his national Dairy Handler CDE competition.
These stories are just a glimpse into the spirit and success of the Aggies at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture. Through hard work, teamwork and a deep-rooted passion for agricultural leadership, these students are not only winning competitions — they’re building their futures.
As they continue to rise, they set a powerful example for the members across the state and nation. The future of agriculture is in good hands, and it’s wearing blue corduroy.
