A Trip To Nationals by Tami Crockett and Asia Manzie

The Natural Science Technology Center’s Floriculture Class placed first in the state in Floriculture in April of 2009, which earned them the right to represent Ohio at Nationals. Six students and advisor Jen Cummins traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana to the National FFA Convention. Competing in the Floriculture Career Development Event were students Jeff Czech, Angela Avery, Tamnika Newsome, Danielle Taylor, and alternates Tami Crockett and Asia Manzie. Jeff, Tami and Asia are currently Start High School students, while Angela, Tamnika and Danielle graduated last year from Start.

At the Career Development Event the students competed individually in identification, job interview, identifying plant disorders, person-to-person selling, making and packaging a corsage and completed a written exam. There was also a team activity. Jeff earned a gold medal and placed 48th in the nation, Angela earned a silver medal and placed 84 in the nation, Tamnika and Danielle both received bronze medals and Tamnika placed 142 and Danielle placed 169 in the nation. Altogether the team earned a bronze medal and were 39th in the United States.

While in Indianapolis we also attended the opening ceremonies with Keynote Speaker Mike Rowe, a Laser show, a Toby Keith concert and a Career show. While the four students competed, Tami and Asia explored the Children’s Museum with Ms. Cummins and learned about King Tut, Ruby Bridges, Ryan White and Anne Frank. It was a great learning experience for us all. We got the chance to meet different people from all over the country and we are so proud of our team!