January was a month defined by momentum, meaningful learning, and strong community connections for Bok North FFA. From hands-on agricultural experiences and leadership development to Youth Fair success and heartfelt gratitude, the chapter began the year with purpose and pride.
Strengthening Our Roots
The month began with an alumni meeting hosted at Lake Wales High School, where past and present members gathered to discuss upcoming Polk County Youth Fair plans and fundraising opportunities. The evening provided time to reconnect, share ideas, and enjoy snacks while reinforcing the alumni support that continues to play a vital role in Bok North FFA’s success.
Preparing for the Polk County Youth Fair
As Youth Fair season approached, Bok North students and parents stayed after school for an informational meeting focused on important dates, expectations, and activities associated with the Polk County Youth Fair. This meeting ensured that every exhibitor was informed, prepared, and ready to take advantage of every opportunity available to them.
Industry Exposure Beyond the Classroom
Foundations students expanded their learning through an industry tour to the Florida Strawberry Growers Association in Dover, Florida. Students learned about field management, crop care, and the many strawberry varieties grown across the state. They also discovered Florida’s role as the winter strawberry capital of the nation, second only to Mexico—an eye-opening experience that connected classroom lessons to real-world agriculture.
Hands-On Learning in the Land Lab
January was especially productive in the Bok North land lab, with students spending time outdoors each day applying classroom knowledge through hands-on work. Activities included breeding and weighing hogs, walking heifers and goats, and removing spurs from mature roosters to prevent injury.
Veterinary care was also a priority as Dr. Waters and Dr. Miller visited to complete annual health certificates for upcoming shows. Animals were checked for proper identification and health records to ensure compliance with show standards. The chapter’s pygmy goat, Maddie, received an ultrasound, confirming that her kids are growing strong and healthy and expected very soon.
Looking ahead, Bok North FFA took important steps in long-term herd management. The school’s Hampshire sow, June, was artificially inseminated to produce market hogs for the 2027 Polk County Youth Fair. Blood was also drawn from heifers Sunny and Angel to verify their pregnancies. Additionally, two bucklings were castrated and will soon join the new agriculture program at Janie Howard Wilson, expanding hands-on agricultural opportunities for younger students.
Leadership Development and Competitive Success
Students spent countless hours this month preparing for Career and Leadership Development Events, including Food Science, Livestock Evaluation, Meats Evaluation, Milk Quality, Creed Speaking, Prepared Public Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Officer Communications Competitions (OCC).
That dedication paid off at District competitions. The OCC team—Isabell McKeon, LaRae Lawson, Grace Sullins, Aria Patterson, Kendall Farrar, Mahleya Mitchell, and Josie Allen—earned first place overall and advanced to the state level. LaRae Lawson also captured first place in Extemporaneous Speaking, while Isabell McKeon earned second place in Prepared Public Speaking and Lane placed second in Creed Speaking. The chapter celebrated each student’s hard work and achievements with pride.
Ag Literacy and Student Wellness
Bok North FFA officers continued their outreach efforts by visiting Janie Howard Wilson Elementary, where they taught students about Florida beef production. The lesson included a read-aloud from a beef industry book and a hands-on branding activity, allowing students to design their own cattle brands. The visit was both educational and nostalgic, as officers had the opportunity to reconnect with former Bok North staff member Mrs. Simpson.
January also marked the launch of the Wellness Warriors program in partnership with Janie Howard Wilson. This initiative is designed to support fifth graders as they transition into middle school, focusing on confidence, connection, and overall student well-being.
Success at the Polk County Youth Fair
The chapter’s hard work came together at the Polk County Youth Fair, where students successfully weighed in hogs and checked in heifers before competing in a wide range of projects. Bok North exhibitors showcased hogs, heifers, rabbits, chickens, goats, woodworking projects, cakes, and even a horse.
The heifer group earned the Herdsman Award for maintaining the cleanest and most organized area. Students also participated in the chili cook-off and livestock judging, earning first place in livestock judging with numerous individual top placements—an outstanding accomplishment for the chapter.
Gratitude for Our Supporters
Bok North FFA extends a heartfelt thank you to the buyers who supported our market hog and steer exhibitors at the Polk County Youth Fair. We are incredibly grateful to McKeon Chiropractic, Applied Aquatic, Dalton Cruze, JCR Landworks & Sod, Ryan Scarborough, Bartow Ford, and Elite Irrigation for investing in our students and their projects.
A special thank you goes to Prince and Sons and Kelley Buick GMC for ensuring that all market hog exhibitors received $5.50 per pound, providing fairness and encouragement for every student involved.
Another huge shout-out goes to the Lake Wales FFA Alumni for providing meals for all Lake Wales participants throughout the entire week of Youth Fair. Mrs. Tonya Keene and her committee went above and beyond to ensure that no participant or family member left the tent hungry, creating an atmosphere where everyone felt welcomed, supported, and treated like family.
Looking Ahead
January closed as a busy but rewarding month filled with learning, leadership, and community support. With FFA Week planned for the end of February and the Agriculture Showcase scheduled for February 26, Bok North FFA looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence—growing students, strengthening partnerships, and cultivating the future of agriculture.
