by KENDALL FARRAR, Bok North FFA Reporter
The month of September was packed with activity, learning, and achievements for the Bok North FFA Chapter. From community service to contests and livestock projects, our members demonstrated what it truly means to strive for excellence.
Keeping Polk County Beautiful
We began the month by giving back to our community through the Keep Polk County Beautiful initiative. Members walked the length of our adopted road, picking up litter and leaving it spotless. By the end of the cleanup, we had gathered 22 bags of trash. This project encourages the community to take pride in their surroundings while promoting environmental responsibility.
Chapter Meeting Fun
Our second chapter meeting of the year was full of energy and laughter. After updates on upcoming events, students enjoyed pizza, cookies, and Kool-Aid before learning a few line dances, including “Church Clap,” “Footloose,” and “Cotton Eye Joe.” It was a fun bonding experience that left everyone smiling and energized.
Contest Season Kicks Off
Our Opening and Closing Ceremonies (OCC) team competed at Warner University for the county contest and brought home first place. Members are now preparing for sub-districts with hopes of returning to the state level this year.
We also held a mini Creed Speaking competition, selecting Lane Walker to represent our chapter. Lane will be practicing hard in preparation for the upcoming county contest, where our members will also compete in Vegetable ID.
Looking ahead, our chapter is participating in:
- Polk County FFA Vegetable ID and Creed Speaking contests
- Florida FFA Citrus ID, Vegetable ID, and Tool ID Preliminaries
These competitions give members the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills while proudly representing Bok North.
Livestock in the Spotlight
Our livestock program continues to thrive. Treasurer Aria Patterson has been excelling with her lamb in multiple jackpot shows, and our heifer exhibitors are busy preparing for fairs including the Polk County Youth Fair, Strawberry Festival, Central Florida Youth and Ag Fair, and State Fair. Representing Bok North are:
- Jackson Dasher with Rosie
- Isabell McKeon with Maple
- LaRae Lawson with Sunny
- Kendall Farrar with Koda
All of these heifers are Angus or Brangus breeds, and our members are learning from one another through shared advice and encouragement.
In addition, our swine exhibitors recently brought their project animals to campus and home from MCC Showpigs. The pigs are showing excellent growth, and members are preparing for a Swine Showmanship and Care Clinic on October 17 to refine handling skills and care techniques.
Culinary and Public Speaking Achievements
September also brought some flavorful competition with our Chili Cook-Off Preliminary, where Savannah, along with teammates Carter and LaRae, took first place after staff voted on anonymous entries.
In public speaking, President Isabell McKeon continued to shine, earning first place at the Polk County Farm Bureau Speech Contest and second place at districts, representing Bok North with skill and confidence.
Community Engagement
The chapter remains deeply connected to the community through events and outreach. This month, members will be:
- Hosting a petting zoo and Safety Zone workshop at the Lake Wales Jr. Women Fall Fest, teaching bicycle and roadway safety
- Volunteering at the Hollie Brewer Adaptive Rodeo
- Traveling to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis as finalists in the Premier Chapter Competition in the Growing Leaders category
- Continuing support of Janie Howard Wilson Elementary, building their agriculture program, and advancing our Ag Literacy Initiative
These events allow our members to connect with the public, teach agricultural concepts, and practice leadership skills while having fun and giving back.
In the Classroom
Students have been engaged in a variety of learning opportunities. Units on FFA history are complete, and some students are moving into Safety and Health lessons. The Foundations class is preparing for a field trip to the UF Aquaculture Lab, where they will learn about aquaculture careers and explore hands-on opportunities in this growing industry.
Looking Ahead
September was a month of growth, bonding, and achievement for Bok North FFA. From community service to competitions and livestock projects, our chapter continues to demonstrate commitment, teamwork, and leadership.
With exciting events planned in October, including contests, clinics, community outreach, and a national convention trip, the chapter is ready to continue its tradition of excellence.
