by KACIE ANDERSON, Polk County FFA Federation Officer
Giving back to the community that feeds us is what our Polk County FFA Chapters have been working on this month. The Polk County FFA Federation team challenged our FFA Chapters to write to local farmers and ranchers thanking them for all they do. This is a part of the community service initiative they take every year, and the chapter with the most participants receives the “Make a Difference” award at the Polk County FFA Federation banquet in May.
In addition to working toward our community service initiative, our members have been studying hard for our County and District contest. On October 7, County vegetable judging took place at George Jenkins High School. The results are as follows:
Middle School
- First place: Bok Academy North
- Second place: Bartow
- Third place: Stambaugh
- High Individual in the contest: Larae Lawson
High School
- First place: George Jenkins
- Second place: Auburndale
- Third place: Fort Meade
- High Individual in the contest: Lacey Vayda
On October 9 at the Tenoroc Public Use Wildlife Management Area, the Florida Forest Service hosted the District Forestry Career Development Event for District 8, Polk County. The first-place team advances to the state contest in Perry, Florida, on November 6. Congratulations to Southwest Middle School and George Jenkins High School and good luck at the State competition!
On October 23 at Auburndale High School, our sixth- and ninth-graders competed in County creed speaking competition. We offer this competitive speaking event in English and Spanish to our students.
English Creed Results
- First place: Jada Francrois, Winter Haven High School
- Second place: Bellamy Howell, Lake Gibson High School
- Third place: Lane Walker, Bok Academy North Middle
Spanish Creed Results
- First place: Isaac Alvarez, Dundee Ridge Middle
- Second place: Valeria Ramirez, Haines City High
- Third place: Lianna Rodriguez, Bartow Middle
We are looking forward to a jam-packed month of November full of opportunities for our Polk County FFA members! From career and leadership development events, fellowship with other members, and community service activities we hope will make an impact on our agricultural community, there is something for everyone in Polk County FFA chapters!