Lakewood Ranch FFA wins national recognition

Andrew Walfield-Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) FFA received a silver award at 2026 National FFA Horse Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE) in Indianapolis.

In April 2026, LRHS Mustangs earned the title of the Florida State Champion, qualifying for the FFA team to participate at the national championship.

This was the first time LRHS had been able to compete in the National FFA Horse Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE).

The championship lasted from Oct 21-24, putting Mustangs’ skills to the test throughout the competition.

LRHS agriculture teacher and FFA adviser Sophia Jaramillo-Vasconez said, "Over two days of competition, Claire Van Nortwick, class of ‘26, Tatum Peachey, junior, Sylvie Theis, junior, and Addy Horne, sophomore, were some of the competing Mustangs throughout the event, each being recognized for their skills."

Peachey, Thesis, and Horne each received silver emblems for their impressive work, while Van Nortwick stood above the rest, receiving a gold emblem for her skills.

Each of these Mustangs received the National Horse Judging Team Coaches Association (NHJTCA) Coaches Judging Certification.

LRHS received the 17th place at the convention. However, the convention was not all about competition and placements.

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The convention focused both on the skills of FFA members, but also the assembling of thousands of students to admire and learn about agriculture.

Jaramillo-Casconez said, "These opportunities allowed our students to learn from agricultural leaders, gain new perspectives, and experience the energy and inspiration of one of the largest student-led conventions in the country."

Mustangs also participated in the National FFA Day of Service at St. Vincent de Paul, enforcing their motto, Living to Serve, participating in community work for Indianapolis.

Mustangs also attended the Facemire Farms and Midwest Animal Hospital to see agriculture in other states firsthand, allowing for the LRHS FFA to make memories and participate in important experiences.

The Mustangs showed that FFA is more than just striving for personal achievement, but is made to help the community, using your talents, and empowering others all to make a difference.

FFA has also recently celebrated Bryon Simon (LRHS Class of 2025) as a recipient of the prestigious American FFA Degree, proud of their previous students' successes and hopeful for future achievements.

The American FFA Degree is the highest degree achievable for FFA, and the LRHS FFA is showing their pride for the grown Mustang.

Jaramillo-Vasconez said, "About 2% of all FFA members are ever awarded this honor. We are proud to celebrate Bryon and this remarkable milestone in his FFA journey!"