Florien FFA Floriculture teams sweep state competition
The Florien FFA Floriculture teams traveled to Louisiana State University’s campus in Baton Rouge to participate in the Louisiana FFA Career Development Events on April 27. The Floriculture CDE requires students to identify plant samples that are commonly used in floral and landscaping projects. The FFA members also take a written exam that tests their knowledge of the floral industry, floral design, marketing, and plant growth requirements. Scores from both activities are compiled to determine the winner in this event.
Ten FFA members represented Florien in the Floriculture contest. The Blue team was comprised of Zachary Harrison, Joshua Maxie, Christian Duhon, and Jacob Slaughter. Members of the Gold team included Janney Arthur, Lincoln Pearce, Stormie Richardson, and Jessica Boagni. Alternates were Ashlee Bennett and Payton Treptow.
FFA members were eager to hear the award results after the contest. As the winners were announced, the Florien Gold team was recognized as the fourth place team in the state. These young ladies should be commended for their efforts.
As the second and third place teams were called nervous excitement spread throughout the group of Florien members. The highlight of the day was hearing, “The first place team in the Floriculture CDE is Florien Blue”. The Blue team was named the State Champion Floriculture team and they will represent Florien and the State of Louisiana in national competition.
On the national level, students develop knowledge and skills in arranging, propagation and merchandising flowers and foliage. The competition includes plant identification, judging of arrangements and problem solving. Members also demonstrate their skills in job interview, team floral activities, preparation of floral and foliage products for sale.
The students have been working through the summer to prepare for national competition. They looked forward to representing Louisiana on the national level. The floriculture teams would like to thank the local businesses and individuals that helped them prepare for their Area and State contests. These supporters include John and Connie Sandel, Whispering Pines Florist, Big Star of Many, Reflections, Wal-Mart, and Family Farm and Garden.
Picture: Students holding banners won at Area and State FFA competitions include, from left, Lincoln Pearce, Jacob Slaughter, Janney Arthur, Stormie Richardson, Payton Treptow, Christain Duhon, Zachary Harrison, Joshua Maxie, Ashlee Bennett, and Jessica Boagni.
