by KENDALL FARRAR, Bok North FFA Reporter
photos by advisors JENNIFER WILLIAMS and HAYLEY NEAL
This December has been a festive and fruitful month for our chapter at Bok Academy North FFA! True to the FFA mission statement — “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve” — we’ve enjoyed incredible experiences filled with growth, learning, and service.
State-Level Competition
Our month began with an impressive showing at the state level on December 6th. Our Citrus and Vegetable Identification teams demonstrated dedication and skill, earning 20th place in Vegetable ID and 13th place in Citrus ID. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and teamwork. We are practicing currently to compete at the Florida FFA state Livestock Evaluation contest in February.
Success at Sub-Districts
On December 12, our members competed at Sub-Districts, hosted at First Baptist Church in Lake Wales. After starting the day with a delicious breakfast, we dove into the competition. Our results were thrilling! The Opening and Closing Ceremonies (OCC) team earned first place, our parliamentary procedure team placed second, and both Mya and LaRae secured first place in their speech contests. With these outstanding achievements, we are now advancing to Districts in January!
To celebrate, we enjoyed a picnic lunch at a park, followed by a festive Christmas sock exchange. Special thanks to Ms. Williams and Ms. Neal for their thoughtful gifts!
Welcoming New Arrivals
December brought new life to our agricultural program with the birth of seven adorable baby goats. Students and staff are thrilled, and more arrivals are expected soon! Every Friday, we host goat workdays, where students learn how to train their goats for the youth fair, practicing walking techniques and stance training to build trust and readiness for competition.
Ag Literacy and Community Outreach
Community outreach was a major focus this month. On December 16, we visited Janie Howard Wilson Elementary to teach second graders about agriculture and how to keep Florida green. The students loved learning new facts about agricultural by-products and sustainability.
At Polk Ave Elementary, we discussed the importance of pollinators and shared delicious honey. Additionally, our members and animals visited Garden Grove Elementary, helping make their PBIS Winter Festival a success by working carnival games, preparing snacks, and introducing students to our holiday calf, goats, and lamb. Bandit, our lamb, even enjoyed being read to by a couple of awesome second graders!
Later, we acted out the “Journey to Bethlehem” at First Baptist Church in Lake Wales, dressing as shepherds and bringing animals to enhance the experience. We also provided animals for the Live Nativity Scene at First Baptist Church in Davenport from December 18-20. The church generously provided costumes and dinner each night, making it an unforgettable experience.
We rounded out the month by adopting residents at Palm Krest Assisted Living Facility, where we provided new shoes, toiletries, and reading materials. Special thanks to Ms. Brandi Lamb for helping our chapter create these cherished memories.
Chapter Meeting and Leadership Development
Our monthly chapter meeting on December 18 was a highlight, with students enjoying a meal, playing games, and learning about upcoming events. Six of our officers attended the Florida FFA Middle School Conference, gaining valuable leadership skills to enhance our chapter’s success.
Field Trips and Wellness Programs
Educational field trips enriched the month, with seventh graders visiting Bok Tower and the foundation class exploring the UF Tropical Aquaculture Research Lab to learn about research facility management and opportunities in various aquaculture pursuits.
Our Wellness Warriors program held its third work session, focusing on managing holiday anxiety. Participants created affirmation bags and practiced calming techniques, helping students navigate the season with resilience.
Honoring Our Heroes
One of the most meaningful activities this month was participating in Wreaths Across America. Members traveled to the National Cemetery in Bushnell to lay wreaths on the graves of soldiers who fought for our freedom. It was a humbling experience to honor their service and sacrifice. Our chapter and supporters were able to help the Florida Cattlewomen surpass their goal for sponsored wreaths. Our members helped to place over one hundred and seventy five wreaths and were taken back by the enormous outpouring of support from the community.
Exciting Times Ahead
Looking forward, we’re excited to participate in the Polk County Youth Fair next month, where we’ll showcase over 200 exhibits, including animals, plants, home goods, wood working projects, and photography. We are looking for sponsors to help the Lake Wales FFA Alumni provide meals each day of the fair to participants from all of the Lake Wales area schools. If you or a business can help, please reach out through our Bok North FFA Facebook page or contact the front office.
Wrapping Up the Year
December has been a month filled with learning, service, and celebration for Bok Academy North FFA. As we reflect on 2024, we are grateful for the opportunities we’ve had and look forward to what 2025 has in store.
Wishing everyone a holly jolly Christmas and a Happy New Year!
