For over a century, the Central Florida Fair has been a staple event, this year marks the 24th time UHS has participated.
It’s a special time for students to utilize knowledge from Veterinary Assisting classes and the FFA program, by applying it in real-world practice. Students have been raising various animals for the fair, including ducks, chickens, geese, and even a pig.This experience has taught them even more about animal care and agriculture through a hands-on learning style. “This is not only teaching the students about responsibility but about respect and care of life and how you can raise an animal and it can be used for food,” said by Veterinary Assisting teacher, Kimberly Acton.
During the Breeding Week, students got the chance to showcase their hard work by entering the animals they raised into competition. The results? The ducks made their way to the very top, winning champion titles in both the light and heavy categories. The geese were unrivaled, as they waddled away with the champion title, over all the geese entered. “I was nervous about the fair, but it was very fun. The most exciting part is that each of my three ducks won a blue ribbon and I also received a blue ribbon for my record book,” said senior Mackenzie Calkins.
But it’s not only about the titles – every ribbon earned translates into money, which goes directly to the students, rewarding them for their efforts. To top it all off, the students meticulously prepared record books detailing all the expenses incurred, along with photos and notes on how they tended to their animals. It’s a comprehensive learning experience that teaches them both the financial and nurturing aspects of caring for animals. “If we can teach a student how to be respectful and raise that animal to crate to the plate, then we have done a service for that student. That compassion that people have when raising animals carries over into other parts of their life,” said Acton.
As they head into Market Week, there’s a buzz of excitement. The fair isn’t just a chance to show off the animals; it’s a culmination of skill, dedication, and commitment that shapes these students into knowledgeable and responsible future farmers. Stay tuned to see how their entries fare in the next round of judging – they are hoping for more ribbons and rewards to celebrate.
