This Is What Your Investment Made Possible: 2026 Donor Appreciation & Awards Luncheon
- Abigail Cannon
- May 12
- 4 min read
A Celebration of Impact, Gratitude,
and the Future of Agriculture
The John de la Howe School Foundation recently welcomed supporters, community partners, alumni, volunteers, and students together for the 2026 Donor Appreciation & Awards Luncheon — an afternoon centered on gratitude, student achievement, and the shared investment shaping the future of agriculture education in South Carolina.
From the moment students welcomed guests to the final award presented, one message remained clear throughout the event: donor investment is creating real outcomes.
Because of the generosity of supporters across South Carolina and beyond, students at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe are gaining access to scholarships, leadership development, travel experiences, mentorship, and hands-on agricultural learning opportunities that are shaping their futures long after graduation.
$30,000 in Scholarships & Awards
Facilitated
Recognizing student achievement, leadership, and future opportunity.
One of the most meaningful moments of the luncheon was the recognition of students whose hard work, leadership, and dedication were honored through this year’s scholarships and awards.
Through the John de la Howe School Foundation, $30,000 in scholarships and awards were facilitated in support of student growth, leadership development, and future opportunity.
Students recognized during the luncheon received support through scholarships and awards including (in order of photos listed above):
Connors Education Scholarship: Gibrand Edroso-Labugun, Savannah Smith, Elizabeth Viseth, Cooper Carter (not pictured), Hagan Giles (not pictured)
JDLH Education Scholarship: Laura Hutto
Aggie of the Year Award: Laura Hutto
McCormick Lions Club Outstanding Student Award: KC Connolly, Jackie Oliver
McCormick Garden Club Scholarship: Savannah Smith
South Carolina Poultry Federation Scholarship: Madelyn Hawkins
JDLH Alumni Association Scholarship: Gibrand Edroso-Labugun
International Travel Awards: Robert Crow, Emily Sawitoski, Amelia Morris, Alicia Gaspar Chery (not pictured), and Morgan Craig (not pictured)
Bobby F. and Lady K. Edmonds Scholarship: Savannah Griffin
Cedar Hill Farms Scholarship: Elizabeth Viseth
Each recognition reflected the investment of donors, alumni, and community partners helping shape
the next generation of agricultural leaders across South Carolina.
The People Behind the Mission
“This impact is made possible through a growing community committed to student opportunity and agricultural education.”
The impact celebrated throughout the luncheon is made possible through the generosity of volunteers, donors, alumni, and community partners who continue investing in the future of students through advocacy, mentorship, service, and philanthropy.
Volunteer Recognition honored individuals whose continued support strengthens the Foundation’s mission and creates opportunities students may carry with them for a lifetime.
The Foundation also presented several special recognitions during the luncheon, including the Community Ambassador Award, Agricultural Heritage Award, Growing the Future of Agriculture Award, Champion of Agriculture Education Award, and Trailblazer Award.
Together, these supporters represent a growing community committed to agricultural education, student leadership, and the future of South Carolina agriculture.
Want to get involved?
Whether through volunteering, partnership opportunities, mentorship, or philanthropic support, there are many ways to help shape the future of agriculture in South Carolina.
Multi-Year Partnerships Creating Lasting Impact
$4,000 Contribution Presented During the Luncheon
“These partnerships represent more than sponsorships. They represent organizations investing directly into the future of agriculture in South Carolina.”
The luncheon also highlighted the organizations whose investment continues opening doors for students both inside and outside the classroom.
AgFirst Farm Credit Bank was recognized as a proud multi-year supporter of the Foundation and sponsor of this year’s International Travel Awards, helping expand students’ exposure to agricultural learning experiences beyond the classroom.
The South Carolina Poultry Federation was welcomed as a new partner in 2026 through the establishment of the South Carolina Poultry Federation Scholarship, reflecting a shared commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
The Foundation also recognized the McCormick Soil & Water Conservation District for its continued partnership and generosity. During the luncheon, Chairman Mr. Bobby Edmonds presented a $4,000 contribution on behalf of the district in support of future student opportunities and agricultural education initiatives.
These partnerships represent more than sponsorships. They represent organizations investing directly into the future workforce, leadership, and long-term strength of agriculture in South Carolina.
Explore How Your Organization Can Make a Lasting Impact in Agriculture →
What Your Investment Produces
“His story served as a powerful reminder that donor investment creates real outcomes.”
One of the most memorable moments of the afternoon came from alumni speaker JC Chandler, now a rising senior at Clemson University studying beef
cattle reproductive physiology.
Speaking to donors and guests, JC shared how his experience at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture helped shape both his confidence and career direction.
Today, he hopes to one day lead a meat lab within the agricultural industry — a goal shaped through hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, leadership opportunities, and agricultural education experiences made possible through donor support.
His story served as a powerful reminder that investment in students extends far beyond graduation.
It equips young people with practical experience, confidence, leadership skills, and the vision to step forward into meaningful careers that will help shape the future of agriculture for generations to come.
Investing in the Future of Agriculture in South Carolina
“Investing in students today is strengthening the future of agriculture in South Carolina.”
The John de la Howe School Foundation remains deeply grateful for the donors, alumni, volunteers, and community partners whose generosity continues making these opportunities possible.
Because of their support, students are not only receiving scholarships and recognition — they are gaining mentorship, leadership development, real-world experience, and opportunities that will shape their futures for years to come.
The impact of these investments can already be seen in the students stepping forward today, and in the future agricultural leaders they are becoming.
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