02 Jan 2026 Five-Oh-Ones to Watch 2026: Greenbrier FFA
By Mark Oliver
At Greenbrier High School, agriculture isn’t just a class period. It’s a deeply rooted pipeline to developing the next generation of leaders in the 501. While they may not wear capes around campus, Greenbrier Agri Instructors and Future Farmers of America (FFA) Advisors Troy Weatherley, Kacey Williams, Trey Kelley and Christina Morgan have earned a reputation as the district’s own Fantastic Four. The team, whose combined strengths power one of Arkansas’s most decorated FFA programs, serves more than 730 students across Greenbrier’s middle school, junior high and high school campuses.
When they’re not in the classroom teaching everything from animal science and plant systems, to agricultural business and power, to structural and technical systems pathways, the team is hard at work advising FFA activities, which includes a robust livestock and agricultural mechanics show program where students exhibit swine, cattle, goats, lambs and rabbits.
The team also oversees student-built agricultural mechanics projects locally at the Faulkner County Fair, the SE District Fair, the Arkansas Youth Expo, the Arkansas State Fair, and national shows.
The team also coaches students across a wide slate of career and leadership development events, from floriculture to livestock evaluation, veterinary science, public speaking, farm business management and parliamentary procedure, ensuring students can compete and grow in the areas that excite them most. By offering hands-on learning at every level, the department ensures that students gain real-world skills that translate directly into agricultural careers and leadership roles.
This year, Greenbrier took home its 25th consecutive Northwest District FFA Sweepstakes title, which celebrates the FFA chapter with the highest annual point total in career and leadership development competitions, bringing the program’s total to 38 and speaking volumes about its impact across Central Arkansas.
Fueled by its reputation for excellence, the program credits its success to its family environment built on trust, communication and a healthy dose of friendly competition. Their guiding mantra is simple: Do that little bit of extra that no one else will do, and you will have the success that no one else will have. They believe that by fostering an environment where students feel challenged, confident and supported, both personally and professionally, anything is possible.
Service is another cornerstone of Greenbrier FFA. Throughout the year, program members volunteer with the Faulkner County Cattlemen’s Association, the Turkey Trot run, the Walk for Hope, Fill the Boot with firefighters and other local organizations. They also support the Greenbrier High School Food Pantry through canned food drives, sponsor Angel Tree students, create floral arrangements for the school and community, and step in to help local families whenever needs arise.
As the team turns the page to 2026, the department plans to continue building on its strong foundation by expanding curriculum offerings, integrating new technologies and pushing students to excel in career and leadership development events.
Guided by generations of agriculture teachers who came before them, including Paul Wilcox, Patrick Breeding, Rodney Wiedower and Becca Spinks, the team thankfully recognizes the families, district leaders and community partners who make their work possible.
When asked what advice they would give to others hoping to make an impact in their community, the team keeps it straightforward: Strive to be better than you were yesterday, embrace failure as part of the journey and get involved wherever you can.
