by KENDALL FARRAR, Bok North FFA Reporter
photos by JENNIFER WILLIAMS & HAYLEY NEAL
November has been an exceptional month for the Bok North FFA chapter, brimming with accomplishments and community-focused activities. From promoting agricultural literacy to showcasing skills in Career Development Events (CDE), our members have demonstrated their commitment to both the agriculture industry and the local community.
Promoting Agricultural Literacy in Lake Wales
Our efforts to foster ag literacy in Lake Wales continue to grow. In November, we visited Polk Avenue Elementary and Janie Howard Wilson Elementary, where we introduced young students to the world of agriculture. Through engaging lessons and hands-on activities, the children had the chance to pet animals, participate in fun projects, and learn about the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives. We hope these experiences spark an interest in agriculture and encourage the next generation to consider careers in this vital industry.
Success in Career Development Events (CDE)
Our chapter members have excelled in various Career Development Events (CDE) competitions this month. Highlights include:
• County Level Competitions: The Vegetable ID team placed 1st, while the Citrus ID team secured 3rd place.
• Florida FFA Preliminaries: Both the Citrus and Vegetable ID teams advanced to the state-level competitions in December. Additionally, our Livestock team earned a spot at the state-level contest at the Florida State Fair in February.
• State-Level Competitions: The Agribusiness and Farm Management team traveled to Ocala for the state competition, where they achieved a remarkable 4th place.
• Food Science: Although the team fell just one point short of qualifying for the state competition, we are incredibly proud of their performance in their first-ever attempt.
Engaging in the Great American Teach-In
As part of the Great American Teach-In, Bok North FFA brought agriculture to life at Garden Grove Elementary. We shared goats, rabbits, chickens, a lamb, and a calf with students, offering a hands-on lesson in animal science and care. The excitement from the children was infectious, and the event strengthened our connection with the local community.
Building Skills Through Agritech Projects
In the classroom, our students completed their first Agritech project by crafting wooden snowmen. The process involved measuring, cutting, sanding, and painting, and the finished products are now available for purchase throughout the holiday season. Proceeds from the sales will support our program and land lab, ensuring continued hands-on learning opportunities for our members.
Community Events and Outreach
• Fall Fest and Friendsgiving: These annual events provided our members with an opportunity to connect with the community, showcasing the accomplishments of the Bok North FFA chapter.
• Thanksgiving Food Drive: Leveraging the Fall Fest, we conducted a food drive, which resulted in complete Thanksgiving meals for families supported through our Ag Literacy efforts. This initiative was made possible by the generosity of our community and the hard work of our members.
Wreaths Across America Partnership
Looking ahead, we are partnering with Wreaths Across America to sponsor wreaths for the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell on December 14th. For every two wreaths purchased, a third is added for free at the distribution level. If you would like to support this initiative, wreaths can be sponsored at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/FL0862.
New Initiatives in Aquaponics
In an exciting new development, we have added 65 Tilapia to our land lab as part of our new aquaponics program. This initiative will allow us to grow a variety of lettuces, and in the spring, we will celebrate the harvest with a fish fry, featuring the Tilapia we’ve raised.
New Additions to the FFA Family
We are also thrilled to announce that Pancake, one of our goats, delivered two healthy doe kids this week. This new addition is a wonderful moment for our chapter and the broader community.
Wishing You a Wonderful Thanksgiving
As we reflect on this busy and rewarding month, we want to extend our warmest wishes to everyone for a happy Thanksgiving. May your holiday be filled with joy, gratitude, and time well spent with loved ones.
Support Bok North FFA
To learn more about our activities or to get involved, please feel free to contact us or visit our Facebook page. We appreciate your support and thank you for being part of our journey!
