GFB News Magazine

Central-Carroll, ABAC teams win Advocacy in Action contests

by Jay Stone
News Reporter

Posted on November 18, 2025 11:12 PM

Teams from Central High School of Carroll County and ABAC won top prizes in the 2025 Advocacy in Action competition held Oct. 15 at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie.

The competition consists of high school and college divisions with students from around the Southeast. The event is a platform for students to showcase their knowledge of ag issues and advocacy skills. This is the fifth year Georgia Farm Bureau has sponsored the contest.

In the final round, the top three teams in each division – high school and college – made policy pitches to three judges: state Rep. Jaclyn Ford, former state Rep. Clay Pirkle and Georgia Forestry Association Vice President for Government Affairs Jake Matthews. Each team was paired with a Georgia lobbyist who coached the team onsite.

During the final round, students discussed legislative and industry solutions to challenges the forestry industry is facing, including shrinking demand, global competition and compliance with government regulations. 

“I think they are learning to be comfortable with asking for help and arguing for their cause,” Ford said.

Central, coached by Leanna Brown of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, took top honors in the high school division for the second straight year. Students Frankie Kelly, Kali Merrill and Sophie Drummond competed for Central. 

Second place went to the Florida 4-H Youth Development Team of Timmy Hawes, Summer Wayne and Tommy Hawes. They were coached by Meredith Stinson, a Georgia EMC government relations representative.

The Bronson (Fla.) High School team of Kevin Arrangeli, Carson Meeks and Tegan Barber finished third. National Federation of Independent Business State Director Hunter Loggins coached the team. 

The ABAC team of Lydia Hill, Carlye Green and Cassidy Barnett won the college division. ABAC was coached by Jaci Martin, a policy advisor with the office of Gov. Brian Kemp. 

The Auburn University team of Caleb Mills, J.B. Rhodes and Audrey Garrett finished second. The University of Georgia team of Ela Grace Ash, Amiyah Elam and Georgie Simmons took third. Auburn was coached by GFB National Affairs Coordinator Ben Parker. UGA was coached by Georgia Agribusiness Council Director of Public Affairs Jake Tench.

The first-place team in each division received a $1,000 prize and an invitation to the 2026 GFB Day at the Capitol. Each second-place team received $800 cash. The third-place teams received $600. 

The contest drew 34 entries – 27 high schools and seven colleges. For the initial round of competition, each team submitted a video detailing farmers’ efforts to protect natural resources. Visit https://www.gfb.org/advocate/competition to learn more.

The Central High team won the Advocacy in Action high school division. From left are Frankie Kelly, Kali Merrill and Sophie Drummond. / Photo by Jay Stone
 

The ABAC team won the Advocacy in Action collegiate division. From left are Carlye Green, Cassidy Barnett and Lydia Hill. / Photo by Jay Stone