Cameron Asbell (right) stands next to John Meeks (left) in front of an eagle statue they donated to Bronson Middle High School.
A Legacy of Service
Born in Levy County, Fla., Cameron Asbell comes from a long line of those who believe in service. His father was a founding member of the Bronson FFA Alumni, and his mother was an avid supporter of FFA and athletics. Additionally, even though his grandfather left school early to care for his siblings, he was still elected mayor of Bronson and served as a reporter for the local newspaper.
FFA Foundations
Asbell was an avid participant in 4-H before advancing into FFA in the sixth grade. However, his world turned upside down when his father passed away during ninth grade. Afterward, he felt lost, but his advisor, Bob Hastings, stepped in and helped him find a path forward. That new path was public speaking; that year, he won the Farm Bureau speaking contest and began doing extemporaneous public speaking.
In 10th grade, Asbell was elected as the youngest president of the Bronson FFA Chapter until that point. He used his position to serve others within his chapter. Although he lost the presidency in 11th grade, he reflected on his mistakes and grew from the experience. In 12th grade, he was reelected as chapter president and went on to win the state extemporaneous public speaking contest. Throughout his time in FFA, service was a priority.
Living A Life of Service After High School
After graduating, Asbell decided to pursue a degree in agricultural sciences at the University of Florida. However, he soon realized that college wasn’t what he wanted. He dropped out and saw a need in his community for an insurance broker. He got his insurance license and opened his own agency in Bronson. He also began his public service by getting elected to the city council. He served for several years as mayor and vice mayor. After stepping away from politics in 2009 to start a family, the governor appointed him to fill a vacancy on the Levy County School Board—a position he still holds today.
He says, “I have been blessed by this area. Thanks to the people of our area, I have become somewhat successful, and the least I can do is give back. I have benefited from the kindness and giving of so many. It’s an honor to give back anyway I can. I come from a long line of people who never had any money, but they all had a deep desire to help however they could. I guess I am a product of my environment, and FFA is a big part of it.”
