Apopka proclaims FFA Week and Black History Month; youth council promotes Legends booklet and Feb. 25 event

Mayor Brian Nelson read proclamations recognizing Future Farmers of America Week (Feb. 15–22, 2025) and Black History Month at the Feb. 19 council meeting. The council invited local students and community members to participate in events tied to both proclamations.

Hayden Scalise, president of the Wekiva High School FFA chapter, described national FFA week and the organization’s education and fundraising efforts; he said Give FFA day raised close to $1,500,000 in the prior year and thanked the city for the proclamation. Students from Apopka High School, Wekiva High School and others came forward for photographs.

Steven Cribb (special projects) introduced the 2024–2025 Apopka Youth Council and the 'Celebrating Apopka Legends' booklet. Youth council members presented the booklet’s history and selection criteria: service, contributions, impact and residency; they said the third volume includes 28 legends and that proceeds support the Apopka Museum. The youth council invited the public to a Celebrating Apopka Legends event on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 from 6–8 p.m. at the Apopka Community Center (519 S. Central Ave.). The council noted the booklet will be sold for $10 (cash) at the event and at City Hall.

Quote: "This week helps bring attention to our efforts to advocate for the future of agriculture," Hayden Scalise told the council as he accepted the proclamation. "Thank you, and we'll look forward to seeing you at the Celebrating Apopka Legends event," Sophia Powell said when inviting the public.

Provenance: Mayor proclamation readings and Apopka Youth Council presentations and invitations recorded in the meeting transcript.