AgFirst honored with inaugural Growing the Future of Agriculture Award

AgFirst was named the inaugural recipient of the Growing the Future of Agriculture Award by the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture. The honor recognizes a partner whose generosity and vision are shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders. 

The award was presented during a May 7 donor appreciation luncheon in McCormick, S.C., where AgFirst’s long-standing commitment to the school was celebrated. 

“We are proud of our partnership with AgFirst, and this award represents our shared conviction that the next generation of agricultural leaders deserve every opportunity to grow, learn and thrive,” said Timothy Keown, President of the Governor’s School for Agriculture. “Thankfully, AgFirst has chosen to take such leadership in growing the future of agriculture for our state and beyond.” 

During the ceremony, AgFirst representatives presented travel award scholarships to five students embarking on the school’s international trip to Belgium and Norway this summer. There, students will gain a global perspective on agriculture and food science.

The scholarship recipients are (from left to right): 

• Robert Crow: Rising junior studying agriculture mechanics and technology. 
• Amelia Morris: Rising senior studying horticulture. 
• Emily Sawitoski: Rising senior studying environmental and natural resources. 
• Alicia Gaspar Chery: Rising junior studying plant and animal systems (not pictured) 
• Morgan Craig: Rising junior studying plant and animal systems (not pictured). 

The Governor’s School for Agriculture is a state-supported, public residential high school offering a rigorous, hands-on agricultural education for students in grades 10-12. The program equips students for future careers in farming, land management, forestry, food science and more. 

Since welcoming its inaugural class of 33 students in 2020, the school has quickly become a hub for cultivating young talent in the industry, with AgFirst playing a vital role in its growth. 

Over the last six years, AgFirst has contributed over $120,000 to expand opportunities for students. This investment has helped: 

• Provide funding for students to attend National FFA conventions. 
• Enable participation in Farm Credit University’s AgBiz Basics program. 
• Fund construction of a new on-campus greenhouse. 
• Provide scholarships for international travel experiences to broaden agricultural perspectives. 

The bank remains proud to stand alongside the Governor’s School in cultivating the next generation of leaders who will shape agriculture in South Carolina and beyond. Together, these efforts are equipping students with the knowledge, experience and a global outlook needed to lead the future of agriculture.