Creativity was in full bloom as members of the Tyrone Area FFA Chapter showcased their floral design talents at the Western Floriculture Competition hosted by Derry Area School District on January 22, 2026.
The event attracted forty-two teams from 12 schools. Organized into pairs, competitors were given one hour to create floral arrangements using identical sets of flowers and greenery generously donated by the Derry Area School District Foundation and Westmoreland-based Dbec Wholesale Co.
Participants competed in two categories: a container-provided category using simple cauldrons supplied by the high school, and a bring-your-own-container category where students used their own decorated containers and accessories.
In the bring-your-own-container category, Tyrone Area FFA members Paige Hoy and Carlie Nowlin won third place, while Madisen Jones and Frances Weaver placed sixth out of 30 teams.
In the fully supplied category, Tyrone’s Gracie Graham and Aubrey Biter earned third place, with Wyatt Walls and Cassidy Fleck placing fifth out of 12 teams.
The other team representing Tyrone Area High School was Wyatt Walls and Cassidy Fleck.
Although the event was titled the Western Regional Floral Competition, Carly Rippole, the Derry Area agriculture and horticulture, extended invitations statewide due to high interest.
“I had so many schools reach out and say they still wanted to do it, so I just opened it up,” Rippole explained. “We’ll just do whoever wants to come.”
Rippole, who also organized the 2024 competition, chose this year’s theme, Disney villains, as a contrast to the inaugural theme of Dolly Parton in 2024.
The competition offered a valuable learning experience.
“The floral design contest challenged me to trust my creativity, work with intention, and adapt when things didn’t go as planned,” Frances Weaver said. Wyatt Walls added, “It was a great time. I had fun working with my partner and creating a strong team.”
Tyrone Area FFA Advisor Tiffany Hoy said that she was incredibly proud of the students.
“The only floral design we’ve completed this school year is an evergreen arrangement. Although Tyrone Area School doesn’t have a formal floral design program, we’ve created opportunities over the past few years for students to learn design concepts and participate in competitions like this one,” Hoy said.
The Tyrone Area FFA members not only showcased their skills but also gained insights into teamwork, time management, and self-discovery, paving the way for personal and professional growth.
