High school livestock cared for despite shutdown

Evelyn Bachman – Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- Due to Covid-19, Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) Mustangs are not allowed on campus. This includes the agriculture students whose animals and plants still need care.

In order to continue the care needed for the plants and animals, the agriculture teachers and advisors have stepped up and have taken full responsibility for the upkeep of the animals and gardens on campus.

Sophomore Brooke Oneil said, “We are so lucky to have such dedicated teachers in this time of unknown, so our animals can receive exceptional care.”

Agricultural teacher Janyel Taylor takes time to go to campus to make sure that the animals are fed and have water. They also check to be sure all the plants have enough water and nutrients to be growing properly.

With the new implementation of online school, creating assignments specific to each class, grading each members’ work, and chatting with the officer team, their schedule is full.

“The whole FFA chapter and agriculture program is truly thankful to have the hardworking teachers and advisors we do,” said sophomore FFA officer Taylor Zwart. “We cannot thank them enough and we would never be able to describe what a big part of the chapter and FFA family they are.”

On top of this, Taylor, along with the FFA officer team, are working on a way to still have the end of year banquet.

They all have come to an agreement that the banquet must be online. Everyone will be required to be in official dress and will be recording themselves saying their parts.

Anyone who would have received an award at the in-person banquet will be asked to fill out a form and highlight the award they would have received. This ensures that next year when the awards are handed out, they will receive them.

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