by KACIE ANDERSON, Polk County FFA Federation Officer
In November, two state winning teams as well as 64 Polk County FFA members traveled to Indianapolis for the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo. These students attended sessions and industry tours.
The first tour was Ozark fisheries, where students learned how a fish farm is run and managed. On the second day, they traveled to Fair Oaks Farms and witnessed their robotic dairy parlor as well as their swine breeding operations. They also toured Purdue College of Agriculture in west Lafayette, Ind. On the third day, Westwood middle, Bok Academy, and Mulberry were all recognized for winning the star chapter award for the well-rounded FFA programming they offer students in their chapter throughout the school year. The next day they toured Beasley Apple Orchard, where they were taken on a tour of the orchard and got to participate in fun activities like apple cannons, hayrides, and a corn maze. On the final day they attend the American degree ceremony where numerous Polk County graduates received their American degrees, the highest honor an FFA member can be bestowed. After attending that session, the group went to Hunter Honey Farm, where they were taken through the entire production process of honey and even got to bottle their own jar of honey to take home!
In addition to the industry tours and convention sessions that were attended, National FFA also held an enormous career fair with industry professionals to showcase job opportunities and new technology in agriculture. There was also a college fair with representatives from all over the country to showcase to students the numerous choices of colleges and universities that offer agriculture education programs.
Overall, the students learned so much and had a great time. Clayton Keene, a Lake Wales High student who attended, says, “National Convention was such an amazing experience. I learned so much from getting to talk to professionals at the career expo like the Lincoln Electric booth with welding simulators that graded my welds.”
While at National Convention, there were two teams representing Florida that competed in their respective events. The state winning forestry team from George Jenkins High School, composed of Jody Witter, Brooklyn Mims, Cathrine Tilton, and Haley Gawtrey, was a gold team and placed third in the nation. Jody was the 4th overall individual, and Brooklyn was 10th high individual. Cathrine was high individual in the Business Management portion of the event. This Team was coached by Kyle Carlton. Congratulations to them!
The state winning Nursery and Landscape team, also from George Jenkins High School and composed of Kacie Anderson, Charleigh Wood, Ashley Clark, and Logan Tracy, was a bronze placing team. Charleigh Wood placed silver as an individual. Great job to them!
November was also a time of fellowship and thanksgiving for the multitude of amazing FFA members in Polk County. We held our third annual tradition of an FFA Friendsgiving, where we all met on November 14 at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland for a friendly kickball game and treats. This time of fellowship with middle and high school FFA members from across Polk County is something students look forward to every year.
We hope you and your family had a happy Thanksgiving!
