Seneca FFA Horticulture Team Has Successful Spring

The Seneca FFA’s Horticulture Career Development (CDE) team has had another successful spring in their competitions

The Seneca FFA Horticulture CDE concluded its season last week by placing third in the state contest held at Parkland College in Champaign, narrowly missing an opportunity to return to national competition.   Team members were Carter Thomas, Faith Baker, Sam VandeVelde, Kenny Daggett, and Addison Stiegler.  All five placed in the top thirty  There were 42 schools and 173 individuals in the event.

Early in the month, the team competed in the Joliet Junior College and Section 7 CDEs which were held concurrently.   The Seneca FFA won both events while claiming eight of the top individual spots.  Kenny Daggett was 2nd, Carter Thomas – 3rd, Sam VandeVelde – 4th, Faith Baker – 5th, Addison Stiegler – 6th, Will Thrun – 8th, Kate Biros – 9th, and ErinnKenney – 10th.    Taylor Mino and Mo Abushanab were close behind. 

The horticulture competitions involved identifying 208 plants in various stages of development, evaluating the quality of live specimens, taking a written exam, evaluating creating a floral centerpiece, and identifying landscape and nursery tools and equipment.  The contest was a component of the year-long Introduction to Horticulture course in the agricultural education department at Seneca High School.