Future Farmers of America (FFA) Program at Deane Bozeman School is fueled by Gulf Coast Woman's Club

BAY COUNTY, FL - In a generous display of community support, the Gulf Coast Woman's Club contributed $500 to the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program at Deane Bozeman School in Southport, FL. This generous donation is set to elevate the school's agricultural education initiatives and further empower the FFA program, which spans grades K-12.

Led by Becky Peltonen, former Bay District Schools Teacher of the Year 2019, the Deane Bozeman School's FFA program has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and community service. At a recent meeting, four students—Hailee Jaramillo, Dixie Land, Davin West, and Kayli Commander—shared the program's accomplishments, showcasing the impact of the FFA initiatives. Also in the photo are Silver Dee, President of the Gulf Coast Woman’s Club and Ellen Whitaker.

The FFA program at Deane Bozeman School has not only excelled academically but has also made a significant community impact. From March 2023 to January 2024, the high school component logged an impressive 445 community service hours, translating into an economic impact of $12,700.30. The middle school FFA group matched this dedication with 418 community service hours, amounting to a remarkable $11,929.00 in economic value.

Diverse projects and initiatives have highlighted the FFA students' versatility and dedication. They have actively participated in community projects such as planting shoreline grasses at river camps in collaboration with St Andrews RMA. Additionally, a successful in-school farmers market was organized in partnership with Chartwell's Food Service, and an engaging Ag Day with games and a petting zoo unfolded at the school.

Educational ventures and achievements have broadened the horizons of FFA members, including elementary and middle school veterinarian camps, a plant camp for younger children, and a valuable trip to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Science in Tallahassee.

The program's success extends to statewide recognition and achievements, with FFA students earning prestigious awards at the state level. Notable accomplishments include state titles in categories like Wildlife, Ag Mechanics, Ag Processing, and Landscape Management. The FFA program also shone at the National FFA Convention in Indiana, where both the middle and high school chapters received recognition as 3-star chapters.

Continued excellence is evident in the program's achievements at events such as the Peanut Festival and the state Vegetable Judging competition, where they secured a commendable 9th place. The FFA program continues to nurture leadership and public speaking skills, with students like Alexis Covey, Davin West, and Parker Walsingham earning accolades for their presentations.

This past month the FFA program has continued to shine!

At the State Fair:

Parker Walsingham won Grand Champion in the Nubian Dairy Goat Division

Nicole Stanquist won Reserve Grand Champion in the Nubian Dairy Goat Division

Davin West won First Place in Junior Division Showmanship for Swine

Gracie Miller won 3rd place in the Purebred Yorkshire Market Class Division

Dixie Land won 1st place in the Purebred Spot Market Class Division and went back in the ring for Grand Champion

On February 3rd, middle school FFA won Reserve Grand Champion in Food Science in Gainesville

On February 15, served dinner for the Bay County Farm Bureau annual members' banquet

On February 19, Lionfish activity at Tractor Supply

On February 20 - 21, jumped rope with elementary students using homemade T-shirt jump ropes

On February 23, participated in Southport Elementary's Celebration of Learning with one of our show pigs and a pig activity

On February 24, provided animals for Barnyard Yoga at Dagny and Dexter's yoga event

On February 25, provided animals for a petting zoo birthday party for a family in the Cove

The Gulf Coast Women’s Club invites all women of all ages to join the club and give back to the community together. https://www.gfwcgulfcoastwomansclub.org/