Warren County Middle School FFA Makes History with First 3-Star Gold National Award

When the National FFA Organization announced its 2025 National Chapter Award winners in late October, few expected a middle school chapter from rural Warren County, Virginia, to steal the spotlight. But that’s exactly what happened. The Warren County Middle School FFA Chapter became the first in the county’s history to earn the prestigious 3-Star Gold Rating — the highest honor the organization bestows on middle school chapters. Fewer than 10% of FFA chapters nationwide even qualify for this level, and now, this small group of students has joined an elite group that includes only five other middle schools eligible for the even rarer Model of Excellence title.

A Historic First for a Rural Community

For decades, Warren County’s agricultural education programs have been quiet, steady forces in the community. But this year, something changed. Under the guidance of adviser Lynne Phillips, students didn’t just meet requirements — they redefined them. The chapter submitted documentation for 17 high-impact projects, far exceeding the 15 required by the National FFA Organization. These weren’t token activities. There was a food drive that distributed over 4,200 pounds of groceries to local families. A watershed cleanup that removed 1.3 tons of debris from the Shenandoah River tributaries. A student-led workshop on sustainable soil practices that drew 87 attendees from three neighboring counties.

Their success didn’t come overnight. It took two years of consistent effort, starting with a state-level gold award in March 2025 — the first time Warren County Middle School had ever reached that tier. Then came the national application, a 48-page packet documenting goals, outcomes, student reflections, and community impact. Judges didn’t just look at numbers; they looked at stories. Like how sophomore Harlie Brooks organized weekly after-school mentoring for younger students who’d never touched a shovel or seed packet. Or how Lex Flores designed a composting system for the school cafeteria that cut waste by 62%.

The Road to National Recognition

To qualify for national consideration, chapters must first earn a gold rating at the state level. That means passing a rigorous evaluation using Form II — a detailed rubric covering leadership, community service, and agricultural innovation. Each project must show measurable results, not just effort. In Virginia, only 14 of 112 middle school chapters made it to the national round this year. Warren County wasn’t just one of them — it was the only one from the Shenandoah Valley.

"It’s not about how many events you do," Phillips said in an interview after the announcement. "It’s about how deeply you engage. These kids didn’t check boxes. They built relationships. They asked, ‘What does our community need?’ and then went out and answered it."

The National FFA Organization’s official 2025 list confirmed Warren County’s placement alongside other Virginia winners like Wilson Memorial FFA and Culpeper FFA. But unlike those high school chapters, Warren County Middle School is competing in a separate, even more selective category: Middle School Model of Excellence. Only five middle school chapters in the entire country are eligible. The winner will be announced at next year’s National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

Why This Matters Beyond the Award

This isn’t just a trophy case addition. It’s a turning point. In a county where many families still rely on farming and forestry, the FFA chapter has become a pipeline for future leaders — not just in agriculture, but in civic life. The National FFA Convention in Indianapolis isn’t just a competition; it’s where policymakers, educators, and industry leaders spot emerging talent. And now, Warren County’s students are on that radar.

That’s why the recognition made it into the Congressional Record on November 18, 2025. Representative Bob Good of Virginia’s 5th District cited the chapter in a floor speech, saying: "These young people are not only learning about agriculture but also taking initiative to serve their neighbors, strengthen their school, and build a brighter future."

For students like Camberlee Lockhart, who led the chapter’s outreach to elderly farmers, the award means validation. "I used to think FFA was just about raising pigs," she said. "Now I know it’s about raising people."

What’s Next for Warren County FFA

The chapter’s next goal? Winning the Middle School Model of Excellence Award — a distinction held by only four other middle schools in the nation since the category began in 2020. But even if they don’t win, the ripple effect is already visible. Enrollment in the FFA program has jumped 40% since the award was announced. Local businesses are donating supplies. The Warren County School Board has pledged to expand the agriculture curriculum next year.

"They didn’t just win an award," Phillips added. "They changed what’s possible here."

Behind the Numbers: The FFA Award System Explained

The National Chapter Award Program has three tiers: 1-Star, 2-Star, and 3-Star Gold. Only 3-Star chapters are eligible for the Model of Excellence awards. To qualify, chapters must:

• Complete a Program of Activities with at least 15 high-impact events
• Document measurable outcomes in leadership, community service, and agricultural education
• Engage at least 80% of members in at least three major activities
• Submit a comprehensive portfolio reviewed by national judges

In 2025, only 217 middle school chapters nationwide applied for 3-Star status. Just 52 received it. Warren County was among them — and now, one of only five eligible for the top honor.