by KENDALL FARRAR, Bok North FFA Chapter Reporter
October was a month to remember for Bok North FFA — filled with travel, teamwork, and tremendous achievements. From representing our chapter on the national stage to serving our local community, our members continue to live out the FFA motto: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.
National FFA Convention: Representing Bok North on the Big Stage
Three previous and two current Bok North FFA members traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, to attend the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo. Our chapter proudly presented and defended our National Chapter Premier Chapter Finalist program: “Speak, Read, Succeed: Animals as Literacy Allies.”
Brianna and Emily presented before a panel of judges and a full room of FFA members, advisors, and visitors, confidently responding to challenging questions about our literacy and agriculture initiative. We are honored to be recognized as one of only 10 finalists nationwide in the Growing Leaders category of the Program of Activities.
Brianna and Emily also participated in the National Chapter Student Showcase, where they hosted a Q&A session in the Expo Hall to share how our animal-assisted literacy program helps students grow as readers and leaders.
Throughout the week, members explored the vast Expo Hall, met with agricultural vendors, and attended inspiring sessions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Bell and Madison proudly accepted our National 3-Star Chapter Award on stage in front of more than 65,000 FFA members and guests. The experience fostered reflection, bonding, and motivation to continue advancing our chapter’s mission.
Creed Speaking Competition
Our chapter historian, Lane Walker, represented Bok North FFA in the Creed Speaking CDE this month. After a month of diligent practice, Lane confidently recited all five paragraphs of the FFA Creed, earning third place overall — even while competing against high school members! His determination and professionalism made our chapter proud.
Petting Zoo Community Outreach
Bok North FFA members brought smiles to our community at the Lake Wales Fall Festival at Lake Wailes Lake by hosting a petting zoo and bike safety awareness station. Visitors enjoyed meeting our animals while learning important safety tips for cyclists. It was a day full of fun, learning, and service — another shining example of how Bok North FFA gives back to the community.
Hollie Brewer Adaptive Rodeo
This October, our chapter once again volunteered at the Hollie Brewer Adaptive Rodeo in Bartow, an event close to our hearts. We provided a petting zoo featuring a rabbit, goats, and a heifer, as well as a calming table designed to support sensory needs.
Members partnered with their buddies, cheered them on in rodeo events, and created lasting friendships. The joy and laughter shared that day reminded us all of the impact that compassion and agriculture can have when combined with community service.
C.O.L.T. – Chapter Officer Leadership Training
Our officer team attended Chapter Officer Leadership Training (C.O.L.T.) in Tampa, where they spent the day engaging in leadership workshops, team-building activities, and networking with other chapters. A highlight of the day was reconnecting with Clayton Keene, our close friend and current Area IV State Vice President. Between sessions and a hearty meal of walking tacos, our officers returned home inspired and ready to lead with renewed energy and purpose.
October Chapter Meeting
Our October chapter meeting brought the fun! Officers hosted festive games, including a pumpkin relay race and witch’s broom relay, that had everyone laughing and competing in good spirit. It was a great reminder that leadership can be both meaningful and fun!
Getting Ready for PCYF (Polk County Youth Fair)
Our livestock exhibitors have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming show season. Daily routines include training pigs on posture, control, and show presence while carefully tracking feed and weight gain. With guidance from Eduardo, members have practiced eye contact and showmanship techniques using a whip and beach ball to simulate movement in the ring.
Our cattle showmen have also been busy tagging, tattooing, and deworming their heifers to ensure they are healthy and ready for competition. They’ve been working on balance, posture, and muscle tone to prepare for the season ahead.
Meanwhile, our lamb exhibitors continue to perform strongly at jackpot shows, proudly representing Bok North FFA and setting the stage for a successful Polk County Youth Fair.
CDE Preliminaries
Our members recently competed in the Florida FFA Preliminary Career Development Events (CDEs), testing their skills in Citrus Evaluation and Vegetable Identification.
We are excited to announce that our Vegetable ID team placed third, and our Citrus ID team placed sixth in the state preliminary rankings! Both teams will advance to the Florida FFA State Competition in December.
Vegetable ID Team: LaRae Lawson, Isabell McKeon, Grace Sullins, Jahdiel Gonzalez, and Kevin McKeon
Citrus ID Team: LaRae Lawson, Isabell McKeon, Grace Sullins, Jahdiel Gonzalez, and Rory Brewer
We are incredibly proud of these members for their dedication, teamwork, and agricultural knowledge.
Wrapping Up October
From earning national recognition to serving our community and excelling in competitions, October has been a month of incredible growth for Bok North FFA. Each event, big or small, reminded us of the power of leadership, teamwork, and agricultural education.
We’re excited for what’s ahead — from state competitions to the Polk County Youth Fair — and we know this momentum will carry us through the rest of the year.
Bok North FFA — Pushing beyond through activating leaders, growing together, and making a difference every step of the way.