Redland Middle Future Farmers Students Excel in Competitions

Redland Middle School students in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program have been performing well in both local and state-level competitions.

The school’s team earned district titles in Parliamentary Procedure and Opening & Closing Ceremonies in January. Both teams are scheduled to compete in the state finals in Orlando in June, according to Wayne Worthley, who teaches the program and serves as the organization’s advisor.

The Redland Middle School FCCLA program has also achieved strong results.

The team won the district parliamentary procedure competition in January, captured the state championship in March in Orlando, and will compete at nationals in Washington, D.C., in July.

“Redland Middle won the national championship in this event in July of 2025 and is hoping to repeat that accomplishment in 2026,” said Worthley.

There are nine members on both teams: Jayleen Diaz, Janelys Olivera, Salet Fuentes, Dayra Lopez, Akyra Jackson, Emily Sanchez, Maximiliano Acosta, Jesus Herrera, and Dylan Jimenez.

The Redland team also performed well at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition.

In the plant category, 129 students grew nine or 10 plants each and exhibited them at the fair. Plants included Simpson’s stopper, podocarpus yews, New Guinea impatiens, and yellow lantana.

Eleven students competed in culinary events at the fair, including the Sedano’s Cook-Off, Baking Cookies, Best of Bread, and the Chili Challenge.

Students placed first in the Sedano’s and Chili events, and second in cookies and bread. They earned a total of $12,133 in premiums for their plants and culinary performances, according to Worthley.