Plant identification, the making of floral arrangements, and designing landscapes are unique agricultural events that the Horticulture Team compete in, combining scientific knowledge with hands-on practicums, Erin McBride, Science and Horticulture Teacher, said.
The Horticulture Team is an academic group within the National Future Farmers of America Organization that gives students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to foster teamwork and explore their interests, which vary from creating colorful, fragranced arrangements, to getting a cutting of a plant and being able to identify it, McBride said. The tight-knit roster of five students each have differing specialties, so they delegate competition tasks, senior Lindsey Bycraft, Horticulture student, said.
“We have a lot of motivated, hard workers on our team, so it is exciting to go into competitions with high aspirations,” Bycraft said. “Plus, we always have a lot of fun.”
The team placed third overall at the state level and several team members earned individual awards, McBride said. Although the team did not advance to nationals, they had a strong season, and placed first at the Joliet Junior College Invitational and Section Eight regionals, Bycraft said. They are proud of how they performed this season, even if it was bittersweet, as this was the seniors’ last time competing, sophomore EJ Frydman said. EJ’s older sister, senior Leah Frydman, initially introduced her to horticulture in EJ’s freshman year, and her passion bloomed from there, EJ said.
“This year was the last time I competed with my sister, but I had a lot of fun,” Frydman said.
Preparation for these competitions requires both structured practice and independent study, Bycraft said. Students often review plant and tool identification through observation and studying on platforms such as Quizlet, Bycraft added. Students may join during the season and develop skills fast enough to compete at the state level, McBride said. Each member carries their own strengths, some interested in the science side of horticulture, and others in the artistic aspects, Bycraft said. Through hands-on experience, team members can find their specialty, and in the future, they look towards more competitions and hopefully wins in the future, McBride said.
“I am really proud of the team this year, and hopeful for our state competition,” McBride said. “I am very grateful to coach the Horticulture Team.”
