The Lakeview FFA chapter was recently selected to compete for national recognition in a career development event at the 91st National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 24-27. Lakeview FFA sent members to vie for national honors in the floriculture area. Bayer CropScience and Ball Horticultural Company sponsored the event. FFA members representing the chapter included Cadie Coleman, Tyler Sullivan, Salem Johnson, Gracie Niette, and Blake Smith (alternate).
Floriculture is one of 25 career/leadership development event areas, covering jobs skills in everything from communications to mechanics. Students must identify plants, make pertinent decisions in solving day-to-day problems that occur in any part of the business and complete an exam that tests their general knowledge.
Skill activities, such as flower arranging and corsage design, allow students to showcase their knowledge and talent. CDEs and LDEs help students develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly and perform effectively in a competitive job market. The Lakeview Floriculture Team placed 10th among 46 in the nation as a gold emblem chapter. Coleman placed sixth individually and received a $600 cash award.
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 653,359 student members who belong to one of 8,568 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 344,239 alumni members in 2,051 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.