Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation is proud to invest in the next generation of leaders in agriculture through support for scholarship awards and valuable programs, like the Mississippi FFA Association. With nearly 3,000 members and more than 100 local chapters across the state, Mississippi FFA is making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
The organization recently held its 91st annual State Convention. MFBF was a sponsor of the three-day event and MFBF President Mike McCormick took part in the final session of the convention, presenting scholarship awards to the retiring state officers and honoring an outstanding FFA advisor.
Mississippi FFA’s retiring state officers who led the organization during the 2023-24 year each received a $1,000 scholarship from MFBF. They are: President Ashton Luke of the Neshoba Central Chapter; Vice President Josi Johnson of the Newton County Chapter; Secretary Shannon Wilson of the Pontotoc Ridge Career Tech Center Chapter; Treasurer Brody Sanderson of the Neshoba Central Chapter; Reporter Drew Stevens of the Newton County Chapter; and Sentinel Connor Todd of the Clarkdale Chapter.
“The 2023-2024 Mississippi FFA state officer team has so much gratitude in our hearts for Farm Bureau. I personally cannot thank them enough for this opportunity. It means a lot to be supported in our future endeavors,” said Johnson. “I will be headed to Mississippi State University in the fall, continuing to pursue my major of agricultural education. This scholarship is not only helping fund my future aspirations but also reminds me of the support that is given to many more young minds wanting to further their education.”
Following scholarship presentations, President McCormick was joined on the convention stage by Joshua Davenport who was selected as the Mississippi Farm Bureau FFA Advisor of the Year. Davenport teaches agriculture and horticulture classes and leads the local FFA chapter at South Panola High School in Batesville.
Davenport’s dedication to his students and career has earned him many awards throughout his time in the classroom, and he was also recently named the 2024 Mississippi Association of Agricultural Educators Outstanding Teacher. The Louisville native earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture education from MSU, followed by an Education Specialist from Arkansas State University.
Since joining the South Panola High School faculty in 2013, Davenport has worked to grow agricultural and FFA programming at his school and within the community. Many of his students credit their academic and professional achievements to the knowledge and skills they learned under his guidance in the classroom and FFA. Davenport encourages other educators to “consider your education, invest in students, and be innovative.”