Six students in the Agriscience and Natural Resources class at Alanson High School recently had the opportunity to compete in the Great Lakes Floral Association’s annual competition, with one senior placing second in the high school competition.
The class is a Career and Technical Education program supported by Char-Em ISD and Alanson Public Schools.
“This year’s theme was ‘Uplift and Gift.’ We had to choose an inspirational quote of our choice and create an 8×10” floral frame suitable to display and give as a gift for a friend,” said Delaney Smith, a senior. “Our designs had to include the design techniques of clustering and layering.”
Agriscience teacher Donna Magill accompanied the students to the competition. Students attending were Cortney Midyett, Delaney Smith, Mary Bley, Aliza Guerrero, Victoria Di Cesare, and Ella Pressler. The competition took place at the Amway Grand Hotel, where the students stayed for the event. They were able to view other displays from students from around the state.
Aliza Guerrero with her award-winning frame!
Guerrero placed second in the high school competition for her tree-of-life frame made completely out of wire, with the back of the frame covered by sticks and English ivy.
“The work definitely took some patience, but I had fun and loved the experience,” said Guerrero, a senior. “I loved meeting new people and seeing all of their different interpretations. Placing at state was just a bonus of an amazing experience.”
On Friday evening, the students attended their first FFA (Future Farmers of America) class, where they were taught how to improvise and use the resources available to make a beautiful arrangement. The students learned how to use greens in creative and original pieces.
“There were multiple schools there and all of the other students and instructors were so nice,” said Ella Pressler, 11th grade.
On Saturday night, the Floral Foundation hosted an awards’ ceremony where winners of each division were announced. Certified florists from around the Midwest, including Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan, attend the dinner.
On Sunday morning, the students learned about foliage manipulation to make designs look more pleasing to the eye.
Alanson’s agriscience class para-professional Mya Weidenhamer competed in the college/novice division where she was required to create a zen-inspired design appropriate for a day spa/wellness center. She placed first in her division.
“This competition is always the highlight of our year. I am always so proud of my students for how hard they work on their competition pieces and how much they take away from this experience,” said instructor Magill.
“We are very proud of these students in the way they represent themselves and our school at these competitions,” Becky Babcock, Alanson Board of Education President noted. “Following their trip, they attended a Board of Education meeting to share their experience with us, show us photos and finished floral products they created. It’s exciting to see how our students are learning with hands-on, real-life experiences.”
Pictured at top of page, from left:
Victoria De Cesare, 12th, Cortney Midyett, 12th, Mary Bley, 12th, Aliza Guerrero, Delaney Smith,12th, Ella Pressler, 11th.
Pictured below, from left:
Cortney, Ella, Mary, Delaney, Victoria
