This year marks a record-breaking number of high school graduates. Among them are future agriculture leaders who want to give credit where it’s due to the agriculture teachers and FFA advisors who have guided and inspired them along the way. At the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture (SCGSA), seniors Payton Bryan and Emily White are taking a moment to reflect on the mentors who’ve made a lasting impact.
Mr. Abrams, one of four FFA advisors at SCGSA, leads the agriculture mechanics pathway and dedicates his time to mentoring both the swine show team and students competing in tool-specific events. Meanwhile, Mr. Pasour, the FFA advisor at Fort Mill High School, teaches animal science and goes the extra mile — literally — by traveling across South Carolina to ensure his students never miss an opportunity.
A collage of Mr. Abrams and Emily White.
Emily White has attended SCGSA since her sophomore year, fully immersing herself in all four agriculture pathways offered. Within agriculture mechanics, she’s completed courses like equipment operations, ag power and dual enrollment field crop production through Piedmont Technical College. She’s also competed in agricultural mechanics, Gator Wars and agronomy competitions.
“Mr. Abrams first stood out to me when I shared my interest in joining the agricultural mechanics pathway he teaches at our school,” says White. “As a female student pursuing a field that isn’t traditionally associated with women, I was unsure of what to expect. He never allows a student’s background or experience to limit their potential. Instead, he is fully committed to helping each of us grow and succeed in every task we take on.”
White has appreciated the events and trips they’ve attended together. Her favorite was the 2025 National Young Farmer Educator’s Association Institute.
“A fellow FFA member and I traveled to New Mexico, which marked my first time flying,” she says. “From navigating the airport to boarding the plane, Mr. Abrams was there to guide and support me. While we were there, he continued mentoring us by facilitating opportunities to network with professionals in the agriculture industry and helping us confidently explore a new environment and connect with new people.”
Although Payton Bryan is also graduating from SCGSA, she spent her freshman through junior years at Fort Mill High School, where she served as chapter reporter and participated in competitive events, including milk quality and products and horse evaluation. She describes Mr. Pasour as a teacher who goes far beyond the classroom.
A collage of Mr. Pasour and Payton Bryan.
“He’s the kind of teacher who doesn’t just teach the material and call it a day,” Bryan says. “He really invests in his students and wants to see them succeed, even outside the classroom. He’s someone who truly listens and pushes you to be your best, even when it’s uncomfortable.”
Moving nearly three hours from home to attend SCGSA was intimidating for Bryan, but the support she received from her Fort Mill chapter — and from Mr. Pasour — helped her take the leap and thrive during her senior year. She now applies the leadership skills she learned from him to guide her chapter at SCGSA, and she believes that impact will carry forward into her future.
“Mr. Pasour made FFA at Fort Mill something special,” she adds. “It wasn’t just a club — it felt like a family. He made sure everyone felt included and had a place, no matter their background or experience in agriculture. Under his guidance, the chapter grew in both size and spirit. I know he’s a huge reason why I want to become an agriculture teacher. The way he made an impact on me, I want to be that person for someone else one day.”
As graduation approaches, students like White and Bryan remind us of the deep influence dedicated agricultural educators have not just in shaping careers, but in shaping lives. Whether it’s encouragement in the classroom, mentorship in the shop or barn or guidance on the road to competitions, teachers like Mr. Abrams and Mr. Pasour embody what it means to go above and beyond. Their passion, patience and belief in their students are the seeds of future leadership in agriculture and their impact will be felt for generations to come.
Thank you, agriculture educators and FFA advisors!
