On Friday, March 5th, the SC Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe and AgSouth Farm Credit presented the 2021 Miss FFA Scholarship Pageant at the Abbeville Opera House. The winner of the Miss FFA Scholarship Pageant received a $500 scholarship from AgSouth Farm Credit, presented by Liza Wilson. Liza grew up on a row crop farm in the small town of Lowrys in Chester County. While earning her degree in Agribusiness from Clemson University, she completed a summer internship with AgSouth in Rock Hill. After graduation in May of 2020, Liza began working as a Loan Officer in the Batesburg-Leesville branch. Thank you to Liza and AgSouth for providing this scholarship. 

We want to thank and congratulate all 40 girls who participated in this year's Pageant!

Here are the winners of the 2021 Miss FFA Pageant:

TOP 10

Winner 2021 Miss FFA: Page Holcombe, West-Oak FFA

1st Runner-Up: Kaylen Ryan, West-Oak FFA

2nd Runner-Up: Kinlyn Hinson, Kershaw FFA

3rd Runner-Up: Anna Grace Cross, SC Governors School for Agriculture FFA

4th Runner-Up: Briar Leonard, Walhalla FFA

5th Runner-Up: Olivia Lyda, Anderson FFA

6th Runner-Up: Sophie Ecklund, Ashley Ridge FFA

7th Runner-Up: Blanca Sanchez, Seneca FFA

8th Runner-Up: Brooke Crawford, Pickens County Career and Technology Center FFA

9th Runner-Up: Carson Towe, Seneca FFA

Highest Application Score: Kelly Wertz, Saluda FFA

Highest Interview Score: Briar Leonard, Walhalla FFA

Highest Evening Wear Score: Kaylen Ryan, West-Oak FFA

Judges

Darla Steele

Mrs. Darla Steele lives in Edgefield, SC with her husband of 12 years Michael, and 2 little girls - Beckett (7) and Mykah (5). She serves as the Central SC & GA Territory Manager for BWI Companies where she works with greenhouse and nursery operators, as well as farm stores and landscapers.  

She previously served as Horticulture/Agriculture Teacher and advisor to the FFA with over 200 members for nine years at Strom Thurmond Career & Technology Center. Darla attended Clemson University for her Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees and received her Doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern. She grew up on a small family farm with cattle, horses, and goats. Their family enjoys the outdoors, Clemson sports and are faithful members of their church and community.  In high school, Darla was involved in several pageants and remains involved with the Edgefield County Distinguished Young Women’s Program serving as MC each year. Agriculture and FFA remain near and dear to her and she loves to see all these young ladies involved in FFA. 

Lauren Taylor

Lauren M. Taylor, MBA of Anderson, SC is a Crescent High School FFA alumni, as well as a past state officer with the SC FFA Association and the SC Young Farmer and Agribusiness Association. Lauren was also a member of 3 state-winning CDE teams including horse, livestock, and dairy cattle evaluation. Lauren actually started the Miss FFA pageant in SC nearly 20 years ago as a fundraiser to honor her agriculture education teacher’s wife. The original pageants allowed the Crescent High School FFA chapter to make sizable donations to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. Lauren currently works as the Director of Continuing Professional Development for Upstate AHEC and oversees live and virtual healthcare continuing education programs in 11 Upstate counties. She also owns Chasing Letters Creative, a marketing consulting firm for small businesses and non-profit organizations.  

Dr. Steve Meadows

Dr. Meadows is a Clemson University Extension Beef Specialist and the Clemson University Bull Test Director. He has his Ph.D. in Genetics, a Master's degree in Animal Breeding, and a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science all from Clemson University. Dr. Meadows has received his American FFA degree and his Honorary South Carolina State degree. He is the liaison to the SC Farm Bureau, he is on the SC Junior Beef Round-Up committee, a member of the National and South Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents, a member of the National and South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association, a member of the Beef Improvement Federation, a member of the American Gelbvieh Association and the American Red Angus Association.

Links

Photo Album: 2021 Miss FFA Scholarship Pageant

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