🔥🏈2026 Bearcat Football schedule is LIVE! 🏈🔥
The Decatur County Young Farmers Chapter recently returned from an impactful experience at the 56th Georgia Young Farmers Association (GYFA) Convention, held January 23-24, 2026, at the Jekyll Island Convention Center. Our members engaged in professional development and networking, further strengthening our chapter's commitment to the future of Georgia agriculture.
We are proud to announce that several of our members were recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the industry:
🏆 State Recognition: We are incredibly proud of Parker Heard, who was named the South Region GYFA Young Beginning Producer and ultimately selected as the State GYFA Young Beginning Producer Award winner. This prestigious honor recognizes Parker's exceptional management and leadership within his operation.
🛠️ Technical Proficiency: Our advisor, Mark Lashley, demonstrated his expertise by earning 2nd Place in the GYFA Ag Mechanics Tool ID Contest, showcasing the high level of technical skill within our chapter leadership.
🎓 Scholarship & Education: Kevin Ray was honored as a recipient of the Terrell Weeks Scholarship. Kevin will continue his academic and professional development at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) in Tifton, GA. By majoring in Agricultural Education, he aims to return to his roots and serve his local community as a future educator and advocate.
🌟 Looking Ahead
The success of our members at this year's convention highlights the vital opportunities for growth, mentorship, and advocacy provided by the Georgia Young Farmers Association. We encourage anyone involved in the local agricultural community to join our chapter and experience these benefits firsthand.
Huge Congratulations to Kevin Ray! 🏆⚡️
As an advisor, there is nothing better than watching a student’s hard work and technical skill pay off. Please join me in congratulating Bainbridge High School FFA Vice President Kevin Ray on an incredible winning streak!
Yesterday, January 20th, Kevin placed 1st at the Area 5 EMC Career Development Event (CDE). This victory comes exactly one week after he took the top spot at the Mitchell EMC Wiring Contest on January 13th. Kevin will be advancing to compete in the State FFA EMC CDE on March 7, 2026.
Kevin’s performance was a masterclass in electrical work. He had to: ✅ Complete a high-pressure residential wiring practicum. ✅ Deliver a technical speech on installing standby generator systems. ✅ Navigate the 2023 National Electrical Codebook to ace a 30-question problem-solving exam.
Kevin’s dedication to mastering his trade and his leadership within our chapter make him a standout representative of BHS. We are so proud of you, Kevin! 🐻💪
#BHSFFA #BainbridgeBearcats #GeorgiaFFA #TradeSkills #AgriculturalEducation #FutureLeaders
FUTURE EDUCATORS LEVELING UP!
As our students prepare to begin internships, PAGE Membership Services Representative, Mrs. Michele Dechman, visited our campus as a guest speaker for our ECE III and ECE IV Practicum classes to present “Becoming a Teacher & Code of Ethics.”
Mrs. Dechman’s presentation added to and reinforced what has already been taught in the ECE classes this semester, helping ensure our students are fully prepared before they step into real classrooms and begin working with children in a professional setting.
This visit also served as meaningful Code of Ethics Professional Development, strengthening our students’ understanding of what it truly means to be an educator—both inside and outside the classroom.
Mrs. Dechman shared powerful insights about the journey to becoming a certified teacher—comparing it to becoming a driver (practice, requirements, and state authorization!)—and helped our future educators understand the importance of professionalism, ethical decision-making, and maintaining appropriate boundaries in the classroom and beyond.
Students gained valuable information about the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC), the Code of Ethics for Educators, and real-world expectations teachers must uphold to protect students, schools, and their professional certification.
Thank you, Mrs. Michele Dechman, for investing in our students and helping shape the next generation of educators! Your message was exactly what our future teachers needed as they prepare to lead with integrity.
#ECE #Practicum #FutureTeachers #PAGE #GeorgiaEducators #TeacherCodeOfEthics #CodeOfEthicsPD #MandatedReporterTraining #ProfessionalismMatters
UPDATE: 🎶 Arrive early! At 5:30 p.m., the BHS Band Drumline will kick things off with a performance to help welcome our guests and set the tone for an exciting evening! 🥁💜💛
Join us for a Meet and Greet with Jamey DuBose, the new Bearcats Head Football Coach! 🏈💜💛
Come out to the Willis Park Gazebo in Downtown Bainbridge on January 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to officially welcome Coach DuBose to the Bearcat family. This is a great opportunity for players, parents, fans, and community members to meet the coach, hear about his vision for the program, and show support for Bearcat football.
Let’s come together as a community and kick off an exciting new chapter for Bearcat football!
📍 Location: Willis Park, Downtown Bainbridge (Gazebo)
📅 Date: January 22, 2026
⏰ Drumline Performance: 5:30 p.m.
⏰ Meet & Greet: 6:00 p.m.
