A Celebration of Growth, Service & Agricultural Excellence
by KENDALL FARRAR, Bok North FFA reporter
April has been a whirlwind of activity for Bok North FFA, filled with growth—both in our land lab and in leadership. From new animals to national recognition, competitions, community outreach, and hands-on learning, our members have truly shown what it means to live the FFA motto: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.
🐣 Chapter Meetings & Spring Spirit
We kicked off the month with a fun-filled chapter meeting and an epic Easter egg hunt! A total of 249 eggs were hidden in the land lab, and congrats go to Brianna Ritchey for finding the golden egg! Members wrapped up the event, enjoying snacks and cold drinks—an energizing way to launch into our busiest month yet.
🌱 Ag Literacy Outreach
Our ag literacy team was out and about again this month, visiting classrooms to promote healthy choices and agricultural awareness. Students led interactive discussions about fresh vegetables and hosted tastings with locally grown broccoli, peppers, and carrots. The feedback? Healthy can be delicious!
🐐 New Life & Purpose in the Land Lab
This spring, we welcomed Miles and Molly, two adorable LaMancha goat kids! After bottle feeding, our students proudly donated them—along with several of our other goats—to HEART Village at Warner.
H.E.A.R.T., which stands for Hunger Education and Resource Training, is a school for cross-cultural workers and missionaries. Its campus simulates a developing-world village and sustainable demonstration farm. We’re proud to partner with an organization that teaches sustainable agriculture and global resilience.
🐄 Growing Our SAE Projects
Our land lab is also growing thanks to the efforts of our members and their 2025–2026 SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) projects:
- Bell and Emily introduced Brangus cross heifers Maggie and HoneyBee
- Kendall welcomed her Angus cross heifer, Koda
These young agriculturists are taking on the responsibility of raising livestock with dedication, and we’re excited to watch their projects thrive!
🌟 Student Spotlight: Madison’s Success
A huge congratulations to Madison, who was selected as a Finalist for the Polk County FFA Star Discovery Farmer Award! Madison’s winning SAE is Rabbit Production, where she breeds pedigreed Holland Lop rabbits for local 4-H and FFA members. That’s in addition to her Market Lamb, Poultry, and Dairy Goat projects. Her drive and versatility continue to inspire all of us.
🌿 OH Demonstrations & State-Level Success
Three of our five Ornamental Horticulture demonstration teams earned the opportunity to compete at the state level in Gainesville on April 25th! From floral design to landscaping concepts, our students impressed with their creativity and technical skill. We’re cheering them on for a strong showing at the State OH Competition.
🏡 State Land Judging Competition
Congrats to Mya, Brianna, Emily, and Madison, who competed at the Florida FFA State Land Judging Competition in Hillsborough County. They tackled soil types, erosion probability, and homesite evaluation—earning a strong 13th place statewide!
🎤 Opening/Closing Ceremonies Team
Our Conduct of Chapter Meeting (Opening/Closing Ceremonies) team represented Bok North FFA with confidence, competing alongside teams from across the state. While we didn’t advance to the next level, the leadership and professionalism displayed was second to none.
🎣 Casting Lures for Cures
This month also showcased our commitment to service. Several Bok North FFA members and families volunteered at the Casting Lures for Cures fishing tournament, organized by Lake Wales High School FFA President Clayton Keene. Proceeds from the event went to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation—a cause we were proud to support.
🐷 Youth in Ag Showcase & Sale
At the Central Florida Youth in Ag Showcase and Sale, our members made their mark with outstanding exhibits:
- Lane Walker showed his market hog Batman and Red Brangus bull Legend, earning 5th overall Junior Showman, and successfully completed his SAE by selling Batman
- Brianna and Laura Lynn exhibited heifers Angel and Sunny
- Kayla proudly exhibited both her steer and breeding gilt, adding to the variety and impact of our chapter’s presence
A highlight was mentoring Owen Ezell, a first grader from Garden Grove Elementary. With the help of our members, Owen exhibited and sold his first market hog 21, and teamed up with Brianna and Angel to earn 3rd overall in Novice Showmanship!
🐝 Earth Day at Bok Tower Gardens
Several Bok North FFA members joined the Bok Tower Gardens Earth Day 2025 celebration, running an educational booth for over 1,200 elementary students! Activities included a pollinator butterfly craft and pollinator seed packs, generously sponsored by Jim Rash, LLC. Our members had a blast teaching the next generation about the importance of bees, butterflies, and pollinator-friendly gardening.
📄 Applications, Awards & National Recognition
April was also full of FFA applications and BIG achievements:
- 32 Discovery Degree applications submitted
- Entries for the Chapter Agriculture Advocacy, Outstanding New Member, and Quality Chapter Awards
Major news—Bok North FFA was named one of Florida’s Finest FFA Chapters, qualifying us to compete for the National Chapter Award in October! This national-level honor reflects our work in:
Growing Leaders | Building Communities | Strengthening Agriculture
Our 27-page application detailed accomplishments across six focus areas: Healthy Lifestyle, Career Success, Citizenship, Ag Literacy, Ag Advocacy, and Safety. This recognition is a testament to the tireless dedication of our members, officers, parents, and supporters.
🌟 Looking Ahead to May
As we approach the end of the 2024–2025 school year, our momentum is only growing. Here’s what’s coming up:
🌺 State OH Competition – April 25th in Gainesville
🏆 FFA Awards Banquet – Celebrating achievements in May
🎤 Florida State FFA Convention – Where we’ll compete in Opening/Closing Ceremonies, Prepared Public Speaking, and Extemporaneous Public Speaking. Members will also attend workshops, general sessions, and connect with over 5,000 FFA members from across Florida.
April has been a month of leadership, learning, and lasting memories. Bok North FFA is blooming brighter than ever—and we can’t wait to see what May brings!