HortPack does ‘Plantastic’ Job at National Collegiate Landscaping Competition
The Horticulture Competition Team at NC State returned from Utah with a 7th place finish competing against 60 colleges and universities from across the United States and Canada. The 4-day event offered 15 workshops, 81 career fair booths, event briefings and competitions in 28 areas of applied horticulture. This year’s team was comprised of 22 students, 16 of which were first time participants. Each student had the opportunity to partner with industry professionals for event preparation. Along with student effort, great educational foundations, and industry participation, there were 21 top 10 rankings in their respective events.
Individual placing are as follows:
- Nathan Gantt – 1st Small Engine Repair
- Lucas Yanders – 3rd Compact Excavator Operation
- Kris Riebe & Nathan Gantt – 3rd in Landscape Maintenance Operations
- Alex Burnette, Ethan Mason, Sophia McCusker – 4th Landscape Plant Installation
- Chris Thomas – 5th Landscape Lighting
- Rachel Martin – 5th Interior Landscape Design
- Alex Burnette & Nathan Gantt – 6th Arboriculture Techniques
- Mackenzie Hare – 6th Exterior Landscape Design
- Ethan Mason & Amanda Lay – 6th Irrigation Assembly
- John Nix – 6th Woody Plant Identification
- Grace Manzer – 7th Flower and Foliage Identification
- Alex Burnette – 8th Maintenance Cost Estimating
- Madison Hindsley – 9th Computer Aided Landscape Design
- Ethan Mason & Jonna Nance – 9th Employee Development
- Patrick Moore – 9th Woody Plant Identification
While traveling for the competition:
While traveling for the competition, the students are exposed to many horticultural experiences due to extra activities coordinated by the team. The team visits many places such as gardens, national parks, and plant production facilities. During this year’s trip to the competition in Provo, Utah, the team visited Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Pando the Trembling Giant and Sundance Resort. Often these destinations build on the student’s knowledge and skills learned from attending the Department of Horticultural Science aside from enjoying camaraderie with team members.
Students in the Department of Horticultural Science have participated in the collegiate competition since 1991. The Horticulture Competition Team has impacts many student lives over the past 27 years preparing them for a future in the horticulture industry. On average, 25 students participate in the competition each year. It is a great experience for students as they learn the importance of communication, teamwork, and technical skills.
Past articles about the Horticulture Competition Team:
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