Kailyn Scully – LRHS News

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – January can be a stressful month for LRHS students, especially those involved in FFA. Between semester exams and the Manatee County Fair, students are struggling to find time for everything.

Junior FFA officer Carly Patterson said, “What isn’t on my side is time; I have to get up early and drive 35 minutes to feed my pig, and then turn around and drive 35 minutes back in order to try to make it to school before the first bell.”

Each day after school, FFA members make their way to the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto in order to prepare their livestock for showing.

Sophomore and FFA member Zoe Soler said, “It’s really difficult to find time for [studying and the fair]. Any spare time I get I try to study. Sometimes I even have my mom quiz me on my exam reviews while I’m cleaning the pen.”

Patterson said, “It’s worth it; all the sweat, stress, and money I put into raising my pig is worth it in the end. Taking car of my pig, Levi, has taught me so many real life qualities including responsibility, marketing, and confidence.”