Some 225 students from across Maryland walked the campus of UMES during the 91st annual Maryland Future Farmers of America (FFA) State Convention. The three-day event was extremely significant.
“This was a historic event in that it was the first time that this particular convention was held on campus,” said Dr. Moses Kairo, dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. “We are always excited when the opportunity presents itself to host the future leaders of America . . . particularly the Future Farmers of America.
During the convention, Stephon Fitzpatrick, recruiter for the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, drew from his time as an FFA member in Delaware to deliver an impactful keynote speech to the entire delegation. Richard Stonebraker and event coordinator Karl Binns, Jr., both UMES alums, were presented honorary FFA State degrees.
To round out the event, UMES alum Clifford Newsome, Jr. (Class of ’68) served as keynote speaker for the closing luncheon and the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences presented its first ever FFA Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 to incoming freshman Kaila Oduro Asante from Gwynn Park High School.
Pictured above: Incoming freshmen Kaila Oduro Asante with Dean Moses Kairo following the check presentation
