GVATA

GVATA members had the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom—touring Oakhurst Farms, exploring the beauty and innovation at Callaway Gardens, and engaging in impactful professional development sessions during the GACTE Summer Conference. These experiences provided real-world connections, fresh ideas, and meaningful conversations that will directly enhance classroom instruction and student engagement.

A highlight of the experience was the intentional and empowering professional development led by GVATA/GACTE Vice President Luz Morales, who challenged and inspired educators while equipping them with practical strategies and resources they can immediately implement. Opportunities like these continue to strengthen our network, elevate our programs, and reinforce the impact of agricultural education across Georgia.

We want to thank Steve Morgan of Oakhurst Farms, Chris Hall from Callaway Gardens, and Christina Chafin for helping make today’s event for our Ag Teachers possible!

We want to extend a congratulations to the following GVATA members who represented our division at the GACTE Awards Program at the GACTE summer conference held at Columbus Georgia. 

Teacher of the Year- Anthony Brooks
New Teacher of the Year- Jennifer Peters
Administrator of the Year- Ben Lastly
Counseling & Career Development Professional- Catherine Pleasants
Teacher Educator of the Year- Ruby McCracken
Carl Perkins Community Service- Alex Holman
Lifetime Achievement Award- Nelson McCracken
Business-Education Partnership Award- Rally Apparel Company (Magnolia Loom)

Congratulations to all of our award winners!

Congratulations to Mr. Ben Brand!

Happy to share the good news that our very own Mr. Ben Brand was recognized as this year’s Social Circle High School Teacher Of The Year. Among many things to these students, Mr. Brand is our Co-FFA Advisor and Agricultural Mechanics instructor.

It would be difficult to describe just how many student lives this man has positively impacted where others were not getting through. And for that alone, we can say thank you for all your hard work and dedication as a teacher in The Circle.

Congratulations Ag Ed graduates! 🎓 🎉 🥳
Don’t forget about this scholarship application for any first-year teachers who are hired to work in Georgia this upcoming school year!

🌱✨ Calling all future Ag teachers! ✨🌱
Start your journey strong—apply for the GVATA First-Year Teacher Scholarship and earn support for your first year in the classroom.

🗓️ Deadline: July 1, 2026
💸 $500 scholarships available
See below for more details!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfL1V8579juoqnOIwS9vInHOd_8O1A8YWmcc2eOrt5N55xM9A/viewform

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for the
2026 Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year! 🌲✏️

Each year the Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF), in partnership with Huber Engineered Woods, recognizes a classroom educator who has demonstrated exceptional dedication in teaching students about the importance of Georgia’s forests to our environment, economy, and heritage. The Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year Award celebrates exceptional educators who ignite curiosity, deepen understanding and foster stewardship through forestry education. Whether you’re integrating forestry into science, agriculture, or environmental studies, this award recognizes the teacher’s dedication to growing the next generation of forest leaders.

🗓️ APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 15, 2026

📋 APPLY TODAY: Click link in bio or visit gffgrow.org/toty

Alright Ag Teachers… we know you’re busy wrapping up plant sales, banquets, and State Convention—but we need YOU! 👏

The Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association Summer Conference is coming to Athens (July 12–15), and we’re building an incredible lineup of sessions!

Got a great lesson? Innovative idea? Community project? SHARE IT!
We’re also looking for:
✔️ Breakout session presenters
✔️ CTAERN course ideas (Sunday afternoon)
✔️ Off-site tour suggestions

📅 Deadline to submit: May 15
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGrT9x2ieiW8a33pKm3gXUj6rh9iQTcYWAG7jkPTLImezfjA/viewform

Let’s make this one of the BEST conferences yet 🔥

TIFTON, Ga. — Dr. Tracy Champagne of Cairo, GA, has been named the 2026 ABAC Alumni Association Outstanding Educator Award recipient in recognition of her dedication to agricultural education and student success.

A former Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College student, Champagne has spent more than 20 years teaching agriculture in Georgia and Florida, building strong FFA programs, developing hands-on learning opportunities, and creating innovative agricultural courses.

She currently teaches at Bainbridge High School, where she leads courses in plant science, nursery and landscape, wildlife, forestry, and floral design, while also serving as FFA co-adviser and supporting student leadership and greenhouse operations.

Champagne was honored during the ABAC Alumni Association awards ceremony on April 10.

“ABAC was incredibly influential on my life, and I share that with my students every chance I get,” Champagne said.

Full Article here -->: https://www.abac.edu/news/2026/04/dr._tracy_champagne_honored_with_outstanding_educator_award.html?image

Congratulations to the 2026-2027 Georgia FFA State Officer team! We wish you the best on your year of service for all of our FFA members across this great state!

Meet your 2026-2027 Georgia FFA State Officer Team✨
⭐️President: Clay Lawrence, ECI
⭐️Secretary: Kevin Ray, Bainbridge
⭐️North Region State Vice President: Jabe Andrews, Banks County
⭐️North Region State Vice President: Grace Koster, Jefferson City
⭐️Central Region State Vice President: Maggie Bell, Perry
⭐️Central Region State Vice President: Thomas Hogan, West Laurens
⭐️South Region State Vice President: AJ Short, Mitchell County
⭐️South Region State Vice President: Chloe Rogers, Echols County

🌟 GVATA Summer Conference Registration is NOW OPEN! 🌟

Engage in high-impact professional development designed to strengthen instruction, improve student outcomes, and provide practical strategies you can immediately use in your agricultural education program.

Connect with fellow educators, build lasting professional networks, and stay informed with key Georgia AgEd state updates and program information.

📅 Don’t miss this opportunity to grow, collaborate, and lead in Agricultural Education!

👉 Register today and secure your spot!
https://gvata.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mcform&view=ngforms&id=2269301 #/