The Southmont FFA Floriculture judging team competed in the State Floriculture Judging Contest on April 27.
The team of Cole Rhoads, Kelsey Thompson, Amarah Shannon and Natalie Rhoads placed first in the contest for the 17th consecutive year, giving the school its 28th state title in Floriculture Judging.
There were 24 teams and 89 individuals competing this year. The contest was held at Indian Creek High School. Each member of the state champion team will receive a $500 scholarship given by the Southmont FFA Chapter. Southmont also had the sixth place team. Team members were Daniel Simpson, Ethan Smith, Tyler Walls and Madelyn Roberts.
The Southmont team had five of the top six individuals in the contest. Individually, Cole Rhoads placed first, Kelsey Thompson placed second, Amarah Shannon placed fourth, Natalie Rhoads placed fifth and Daniel Simpson placed sixth.
This year’s floriculture contest was competitive and tested the contestant’s knowledge and skills. The activities in the competition included a general knowledge exam, identifying 15 plant disorders, a problem solving exam, identifying 40 floriculture plants and equipment from a list of 229 and completing a growing procedure practicum. These members also had to make a floral arrangement, complete a one-on-one selling practicum and conduct a team activity.
