Floriculture, a branch of horticulture focused on flowers, took center stage at the recent competition hosted by the Tyrone Area FFA in December.
The contest featured a flower identification test and a task to create a festive evergreen centerpiece, perfectly suited for the holiday season.
Participants were challenged with identifying 25 plants commonly found in the floriculture industry, displayed in a slideshow, based on the National FFA Floriculture Career Development (CDE) Event, which includes a list of 100 plants. Each participant received a bag of materials and had 90 minutes to craft their unique arrangement using the supplies provided.
The event attracted 62 participants from various FFA chapters across Blair County, including members from Tyrone Area, Williamsburg, and Central.
The Tyrone Area FFA students excelled, winning 12 of the top 15 places, including the top eight places.
Tyrone junior Paige Hoy won second place and her sister, senior Nora Hoy took first.
“It was a great experience. I got to learn more about the plants around us and how to improve on making evergreen arrangements,” Paige Hoy said.
Tyrone sophomore Taylor Wrye also enjoyed the contest experience.
“It was fun to try it out. Being my first contest, it was different using limited greens, but my arrangement didn’t turn out too bad,” Wrye said.
The event was conducted by each agricultural teacher within their shops. Tyrone Area FFA advisor Tiffany Hoy created the identification test, while FFA members prepared the supply boxes and bags for each program, which were delivered before the competition start date on December 16.
After the contest, the creative arrangements crafted by the participants were donated to Cedarwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Tyrone.
“The residents loved the arrangements. We used them for our holiday party and to decorate the lobby.” Residents also had the opportunity to choose an arrangement to decorate their rooms,” Haylee Blowers, director of activities at Cedarwood, said.
Tyrone FFA advisor Tiffany Hoy was pleased with both the turnout and the quality of the arrangements that the students created.
“I am thrilled about the student committee that organized this event for the Blair County FFA Chapters. Their goal was to engage 25 FFA members, and they significantly exceeded that target. I was truly impressed by the remarkable talent displayed by all the participants,” Tiffany Hoy said. “Additionally, I feel honored that the arrangements uplifted the spirits of the Cedarwood residents. Our chapter members have established a meaningful connection through game day and various activities they hosted in the spring of 2024.”
Tiffany Hoy also extended special thanks to the judges, Lisa Haas, Richard Ward, and Ramona Ward, for taking the time to evaluate each arrangement based on the national-level rubric.
Top 15 Overall:
Nora Hoy – Tyrone Area
Paige Hoy – Tyrone Area
Carlie Nowlin – Tyrone Area
Josie Dicken – Tyrone Area
Alyssa Houck – Tyrone Area
Kayden Ansman – Tyrone Area
Catie Sklenar – Tyrone Area
Jayden Albright – Tyrone Area
Danielle Heltzel – Central Cove
Pyper Sparklin – Tyrone Area
John Eaken – Tyrone Area
Frances Weaver – Tyrone Area
Eleanor Brubaker – Williamsburg
Kylee Nelson – Tyrone Area
Juleah Byler – Central Cove
