Teacher honored at conference

INDIANAPOLIS—Harmon Cooper, Jr. of Hemingway, SC was recently selected to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree - Teacher. This award is given to those who advance agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment.

The National FFA Organization works to enhance the lives of youth through agricultural education. Without the efforts of highly dedicated individuals, thousands of young people would not be able to achieve success that, in turn, contributes directly to the overall well being of the nation. The Honorary American FFA Degree is an opportunity to recognize those who have gone beyond the valuable daily contributions to make an extraordinary long-term difference in the lives of students, inspiring confidence in a new generation of agriculturists.

Members of the National Board of Directors approved the nomination. Harmon Cooper, Jr. traveled to Indianapolis in order to receive the honor during an onstage presentation at the 82nd National FFA Convention, held October 21-24, 2009. All recipients received a certificate and medal and their names permanently recorded.

A short summary of some of the contributions leading to the nomination are listed below:

§ BS/MS Degree in Agriculture Education-NC A & T State University, Greensboro NC.
§ Advanced study at Coastal Carolina University and received certification in administration in the areas of Vocational Center Director and High School Administrator through SC State Department of Education.
§ Organized and developed agricultural programs, FFA and young farmers programs at three high schools in South Carolina.
§ Agriculture Education Teacher and FFA Advisor for 32 years.
§ Organized, developed and taught after school mechanical program that trained and updated the skills of community residents and industry mechanical employees for many years.
§ FFA chapters and students have received state and national awards.
§ FFA student served as SC FFA State President 1992-1993.
§ Served on agriculture education state textbook and recruitment committees.
§ Selected as teacher of the year for Johnsonville High School 1990-1991.
§ Received Who’s Who among America’s Teacher Award.
§ Received the Honorary State FFA Degree
§ Received the Pee Dee Regional Outstanding Agricultural Teacher of the Year Award for 2006.
§ Active member of the South Carolina Association of Agricultural Educators and the Young Farmer and Agribusiness Association for over 30 years.
§ USDA Poultry Inspector.
§ United States Army Veteran.
§ Served as chairman of several organizations at Greater St. Mark A.M.E. Church, Hemingway, SC.
§ Received Outstanding Service Award for service to St. Mark Church and Community from Lambda Theta Omega Chapter of ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.

Mr. Cooper would like to thank Florence County School District Five Board of Trustee, the superintendent, administrators, students, support personnel and the community for their support over the last twenty-six years.

After spending thirty five years in educational services to students and communities at North Myrtle Beach High School, Bates Middle School, Hannah-Pamplico High School, Johnsonville High School, and five years in federal services, Mr. Cooper retired June 30, 2009.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is national youth organization of 507,763 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for PEMIER LEADERSHIP, PERSONAL GROWTH AND CAREER SUCCESS through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.