By Miah McCue
Upshur County FFA Reporter
Mr. Coleton Payne, the dedicated FFA advisor at Buckhannon-Upshur High School, was awarded the prestigious Honorary State FFA Degree during the annual West Virginia FFA State Convention. This distinguished honor is the highest recognition bestowed by the West Virginia FFA Association upon individuals who have provided exceptional service to agricultural education and the FFA program. Mr. Payne’s leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to student success made him a deserving recipient of this accolade.
In response to receiving the award, Mr. Payne shared: “It’s an incredible honor to receive the Honorary State FFA Degree. Being part of these students’ growth and watching them become leaders, both in agriculture and in life, has been the most rewarding part of my career. This recognition isn’t just for me, it reflects the hard work and heart of the entire Buckhannon-Upshur FFA Chapter. I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Mr. Payne has served as the Buckhannon-Upshur High School FFA advisor since 2021, where he has guided students through countless competitions and community events. His passion for agricultural education continues to shape the lives of young people across Upshur County.
