by CHLOE GAVIN, BOK NORTH FFA Reporter
June marked more than the beginning of summer, it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Lake Wales FFA family. Across our community, students, advisors, alumni, and supporters celebrated accomplishments, embraced change, and laid the foundation for an even stronger future.
While each chapter has its own unique story, one thing remains constant: Together, the Lake Wales FFA chapters are committed to growing the next generation of agricultural leaders through service, leadership, and hands-on learning. As we reconnect, collaborate, and build relationships across our programs, we continue proving that we are stronger together.
This summer also brings meaningful transitions throughout our agricultural education programs. At Lake Wales High School, a new junior chapter has been established in honor of longtime advisor Mr. Bryan to preserve his legacy while expanding opportunities for future members.
Mrs. Sharpless prepares to begin her first year leading the Highlander program as the search continues for a second agriculture teacher. At Bok North Middle FFA, Mrs. Neal is preparing for another successful year honoring the chapter’s high standards while making the program her own through fresh ideas, strong relationships, and a focus on student leadership.
While Ms. Williams begins an exciting new journey at Bok South, she is bringing fresh energy to the program by enhancing the land lab, increasing hands-on agricultural experiences, and building new community service initiatives that reflect her vision for student growth and leadership. These changes represent more than new faces and new beginnings. They reflect a shared commitment among all four Lake Wales FFA chapters to continue providing outstanding agricultural education opportunities for every student.
Celebrating Success at the 98th Florida FFA State Convention
One of June’s biggest highlights was attending the 98th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo, where members from each Lake Wales chapter joined thousands of FFA members from across Florida to celebrate agriculture, leadership, and achievement.
Throughout convention, members participated in leadership workshops, motivational keynote sessions, competitive events, networking opportunities, and recognition ceremonies that showcased the incredible accomplishments of Florida FFA. For many students, convention is more than an awards ceremony, it’s where future leaders are inspired.
A particularly meaningful moment came during the Third General Session as former Lake Wales FFA member and Area IV State Vice President Clayton Keene delivered his retiring address, The Keene Dream. His message challenged members to pursue every opportunity, treat others with kindness, and never be afraid to take their shot.
Convention also brought a major celebration for the Lake Wales FFA Alumni & Supporters organization as Hashi Anderson was named Florida FFA Alumni Member of the Year. His dedication to supporting agricultural education and empowering students earned statewide recognition, and he will advance to compete for the National FFA Alumni Member of the Year title this fall.
Watching one of their own be honored on the state stage reminded every Lake Wales member that great leaders truly come from their own community.
Chapter Highlights
Lake Wales High School FFA
Lake Wales High School celebrated an exceptional convention week marked by high honors, competitive excellence, and recognition at every level of Florida FFA.
The chapter proudly earned three American FFA Degrees, the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization. This distinction recognizes members who demonstrate outstanding supervised agricultural experience (SAE) growth, leadership development, community service, and significant hours and earnings invested in agricultural work. Recipients: Isabella Hough, Dustin Hill, and Clayton Keene.
The chapter also celebrated two new State FFA Degree recipients, an honor recognizing advanced SAE progress, leadership involvement, and meaningful contributions to chapter and community activities. Recipients: Bryanna Mixon and Isabella Silva.
Competitive success continued as the Agricultural Sales team of Kayleigh Douge, Sarah McNutt (3rd overall individual), Laura Lynn Berkau, and Lillian Sheppard earned the State Championship. Their victory qualifies the team to represent Florida at the National FFA Convention in October, a milestone achievement for the Highlander chapter.
Additional recognition included:
- Premier Chapter designation
- Second Place in the State Agricultural Science Fair (Sarah McNutt)
These accomplishments, paired with Clayton Keene’s inspiring conclusion to his year of statewide service as Area IV State Vice President, made this convention one of the most memorable in recent chapter history.
Bok North Middle FFA
Bok North Middle FFA continued its tradition of excellence with multiple statewide honors and two State Championships in the Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration Career Development Event.
In the Production Division, Landen Atkins and Lane Walker earned the State Championship, showcasing their mastery of plant production practices and hands-on horticultural skills.
In the Marketing Division, Isabell McKeon and Kendall Farrar captured the State Championship, demonstrating exceptional communication, product presentation, and industry‑focused marketing strategies.
These achievements contributed to Bok North earning both Premier Chapter recognition and being named one of Florida’s Finest Chapters, reflecting a year defined by leadership, service, and high‑quality agricultural education.
Earlier in the month, eighth-grade officers attended Camp ROAR at Warner University, where students explored agriculture through faith-based leadership experiences and industry tours.
Campers visited:
- Larson’s Show Barn
- Faith Farms Ministries
- Rising J
- Lake Buffum Farms
- Magic Greens Nursery
- Cracker Country at the Florida State Fairgrounds
Students learned about livestock production, horticulture, crop management, agricultural careers, and servant leadership while participating in team-building activities, Blue Ribbon workshops, Grandstand presentations, worship, and evening devotions.
Officer reflections captured the excitement of the experience:
“State Convention was amazing and inspiring. Every moment was packed with fun and learning, and I can’t wait to experience it all again.” — Savanna D’Augustino
“Convention opened my eyes to where I can go in the future. I’m excited for everything this officer team will accomplish.” — Chelsee Cressman
“Camp ROAR strengthened my relationship with Christ while teaching me so much about agriculture. It truly gave me hope for the next generation.” – Landen Atkins
As summer continues, Bok North officers are already preparing for a community land lab clean-up day as they get ready for another successful school year.
Bok South FFA
Bok South celebrated another outstanding convention marked by statewide recognition, competitive excellence, and continued growth within the agricultural program.
The chapter earned both Premier Chapter and Florida’s Finest Chapter honors, reflecting a year of strong leadership, hands-on learning, and meaningful community impact.
In Career Development Events, the Farm & Agribusiness Management team of EmmyLou Beasley, Corbin Merson, Jackson Fisher, and Chris Hernandez earned Fourth Place in the State, demonstrating advanced knowledge of farm planning, financial analysis, and agribusiness decisionmaking.
Bok South also celebrated a major academic achievement as Corbin Merson and Jackson Fisher earned Second Place in the State Agricultural Science Fair, showcasing high‑quality research and innovation in agricultural studies.
As Ms. Williams prepares to lead the Bok South program into a new year, revitalization efforts are already underway in the land laboratory, with plans to strengthen agricultural experiences, expand hands-on learning, and create even more opportunities for student leadership.
The chapter enters the 2026–2027 school year with momentum, pride, and a clear vision for continued excellence.
Growing Together
Although each Lake Wales chapter celebrated unique accomplishments this month, the greatest success may have been the relationships strengthened along the way.
Whether members were sharing dinner during State Convention, cheering one another on during award sessions, learning from agricultural professionals at Camp ROAR, or celebrating the achievements of fellow chapters, one message became abundantly clear:
Lake Wales FFA is one family.
The collaboration between advisors, alumni, students, parents, and community supporters continues to create opportunities that no single chapter could accomplish alone.
As one school year closes and another begins, our programs remain committed to supporting one another, sharing ideas, and investing in students who will become tomorrow’s agricultural leaders.
Looking Ahead
The momentum from June is only the beginning.
Throughout the summer, advisors and officers will continue preparing classrooms, refreshing land laboratories, planning leadership retreats, organizing chapter events, and developing new opportunities for members.
The 2026–2027 school year promises new traditions, exciting partnerships, and continued excellence across every Lake Wales FFA chapter.
Together we will continue cultivating leaders. Together we will continue serving our communities. Together we will continue growing agriculture.
Because when Lake Wales FFA works together, there is no limit to what our students can accomplish.
Here’s to another year of leadership, learning, service, and success—together.
