by KENDALL FARRAR, Bok North FFA Reporter
April was a month defined by leadership, service, competition, and history‑making achievements for Bok North FFA. From community outreach to state‑level victories, our members demonstrated what it truly means to learn, lead, and live to serve. Here’s a look back at a remarkable month.
Chapter Meeting: Snacks, Reflection, and a Musical Chairs Showdown
We opened April with our final chapter meeting of the year. Officers brought in their favorite snacks and drinks, creating a relaxed space for members to reflect on the many events, competitions, and service projects we’ve taken on this year. The highlight of the meeting was an intense, laughter‑filled game of musical chairs expertly DJ’d by our Chaplain, Jackson. It was the perfect blend of fun, fellowship, and celebration.
Rent‑An‑Ag Kid: Serving the Community While Funding Success
To support our upcoming trip to the Florida FFA State Convention, Bok North FFA launched a brand‑new initiative: Rent‑An‑Ag Kid. Members worked for community members and local agencies doing jobs such as planting trees, pulling weeds, and cleaning pastures. This program not only helped fund our June competition trip but it also allowed our students to give back to the community in meaningful, hands-on ways. Service and leadership in action.
Bok Tower Earth Day: Conservation Through Creativity
Earth Day at Bok Tower Gardens was a meaningful experience for our members. They spent the day teaching elementary students about conservation, pollinators, and the importance of caring for our planet. Students created butterflies and pollinator crafts with inspirational messages, then received wildflower seed mixes and informational bookmarks courtesy of Jim Rash Inc. After hosting the booth, our members enjoyed exploring the gardens and fish pond, a beautiful and peaceful way to celebrate Earth Day.
OH Demonstration Competition: History Made at Bok North FFA
After months of practice and a competitive district round, both our Marketing Team of Isabell & Kendall and our Production Team of Lane & Landen earned their place at the Florida FFA State Finals. They traveled to the University of Florida, where they competed against the top district winners from across the state.
Isabell and Kendall presented a polished and heartfelt marketing plan for Busy Bee Honey Co., detailing profits, losses, branding strategies, and the company’s origin story, beginning with Papa Charlie’s dream of leaving his great‑grandchildren a family business. Their professionalism and storytelling earned them the State Championship in Marketing.
Lane and Landen demonstrated how to use found materials and a handful of guppies to create a functional aquaponic herb garden. Their clear explanation, creativity, and hands‑on demonstration earned them the State Championship in Production.
Both teams will walk across the stage at the Florida FFA State Convention in June to be recognized as STATE CHAMPIONS, a milestone our chapter will never forget.
AEST Certifications: 36 Students Earn Industry Credentials
This month, our Foundations students completed their AEST industry certification testing in the Agriculture Systems and Agriculture Associate programs. These exams, offered through a partnership with Florida Farm Bureau and AEST, allow students to demonstrate mastery of the agricultural knowledge they’ve gained throughout the year.
A total of 42 students were tested, and an impressive 36 earned their certification, marking a major accomplishment for our program. These certifications are more than just a test score: they represent real‑world agricultural literacy, career readiness, and the ability to apply classroom learning in a standardized, industry‑recognized format.
Students who earn the Agriculture Associate Certification can also receive three college credit hours at select Florida universities, giving them a head start on their post‑secondary pathways.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work, focus, and determination our students showed throughout the preparation and testing process. Their success reflects the strength of our agriculture program and the dedication of our future agricultural leaders.
Polk County Star Awards: Celebrating Excellence in FFA
This month, Bok North FFA President Isabell McKeon was named the 2026 Polk County Star Discovery Farmer for her Specialty Animal Production SAE, Busy Bee Honey Co.
Bell manages every aspect of her honey business from hive care to harvesting, bottling, and marketing. She completed a rigorous application, secured professional references, and excelled in her interview. Her recognition reflects her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to agricultural literacy.
Polk County FFA also honors high school members through the Star Greenhand and Star Chapter Farmer awards. Bok North FFA proudly celebrates alumnus Zibe Stein, who was named the Polk County Star Chapter Farmer for his Beef Production SAE. His continued success highlights the strong foundation he built during his years at Bok North.
Classroom & Land Lab Learning: Hands‑On Agriculture in Action
April brought some of the most exciting hands-on learning experiences of the entire school year as our agriculture students continued applying real agricultural skills both in the classroom and out in the land lab.
Foundations students began the month by “processing” piglets, using their animal science knowledge to practice real‑world livestock management techniques such as castrating, ear notching, and administering injections. These activities allowed students to connect textbook learning to authentic agricultural practices while emphasizing safety, precision, and responsibility.
To wrap up our animal science unit, students created bottle pig models, labeling the digestive system and anatomical parts to demonstrate their understanding of swine physiology. They also crafted clay keepsakes inspired by the breeds studied in class, making for an engaging blend of creativity, anatomy, and breed identification.
Out in the land lab, students continued monitoring the progress of our livestock and crops. This month, we pulled blood from Sunny, our Mixon Cattle Company Brangus heifer, to determine whether our first artificial insemination attempt was successful. Students also eagerly monitored our sow, who was bred in January, as we anxiously await the arrival of her piglets and were thrilled to participate in the process. Excitement was off the charts when they viewed the latest ultrasound, where tiny features like ears and snouts could be clearly made out.
Meanwhile, our zinnia and sunflower field burst into full bloom, creating a vibrant backdrop for outdoor lessons and pollinator discussions. As we close out the year, our classes are transitioning into their final unit: Agricultural Careers. Students will explore the countless opportunities within the agriculture industry from animal science and plant systems to ag communications, engineering, natural resources, and more. This unit helps students connect their interests to future pathways and understand the vast impact agriculture has on our world.
April in a Nutshell
April was a month filled with accomplishments, service, learning, and unforgettable moments. From state championships to countywide recognition, Bok North FFA continues to shine as a chapter built on hard work, leadership, and heart.
We can’t wait to see what May brings.
