While nearly every student is taking a break from school work and sleeping in during the winter break, the Zephyrhills Jr./Sr. FFA students are working daily taking care of their school work.
Their school work are steers, heifers, goats and pigs that reside at the FFA barn where students work daily to make sure they’re fed, bathed and walked in preparation for the upcoming fair season.
FFA teacher LeAnne John, a finalist for the Pasco County Teacher of the Year, said the students have dedicated themselves to the animals and there is no break during the holidays.
“No break. Not at all,” John said. “They are working together on their schedules for Christmas. These kids are going morning and afternoon like they were still in school and they have to prioritize their time around family time.”
So while many have their feet propped up and a Play Station controller in their hands, FFA kids are daily cleaning stalls and making sure their animals are well taken care of and looking their best.
“I have an extremely good group this year,” John said. “This group really works together to make sure they get stuff done. It’s really nice to see them take charge on their own and help the new kids.”