Warren County Middle School FFA Earns National 3-Star Gold Award — A First for the County

For the first time in Warren County history, the Warren County Middle School FFA Chapter has earned the National FFA Organization’s highest honor, a Gold Rating with 3 Stars through the National Chapter Award Program. This national-level recognition places the chapter among the top-performing FFA groups in the country, and it’s a major milestone for both the school and the community.

“Our students have worked incredibly hard to build a chapter that serves our school and community,” said Lynne Phillips, WCMS FFA advisor. “Being recognized as a National 3-Star Gold Chapter is an honor that reflects their commitment, creativity, and leadership.”

The National Chapter Award Program celebrates FFA chapters that live out the organization’s mission: growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. To qualify, chapters must meet high standards, complete a Program of Activities with at least 15 high-impact events, and demonstrate success through measurable results. These events span areas like leadership development, community service, and agricultural innovation.

What sets the WCMS chapter apart is that the students wrote the entire 26-page application themselves. They were required to follow the official National FFA rubric, set S.M.A.R.T. goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound), and create detailed plans and follow-up reports for each activity.

After first qualifying at the Virginia state level, the WCMS FFA Chapter advanced to compete nationally. The result: a Gold 3-Star Rating, which reflects exceptional operations, innovative student-led projects, and a strong focus on engaging all members in meaningful agricultural education.

In recognition of their efforts, WCMS FFA received the award at the National FFA Convention, held in late October 2025.

The team of student officers who helped lead the chapter to national recognition includes Harlie Brooks, Madison Ballard, and Bella Kaplan. Officer Camberlee Lockhart also contributed but is not pictured in the group photo taken at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The chapter’s success has even gained national attention. On November 20, U.S. Representative Ben Cline recognized the WCMS FFA chapter on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, calling their work “a shining example of student leadership and dedication to agricultural excellence.”

The National FFA Organization reported that membership has now reached over 1 million students nationwide, including chapters in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. There are currently more than 9,400 chapters across the country, all working to prepare the next generation for careers in agriculture, science, education, and public service.

Warren County Middle School FFA continues to lead the way locally, offering students hands-on learning, leadership training, and opportunities to serve. This historic win shows that the future of agriculture—and leadership—is growing strong in Warren County.