Caitlin Goes to State

On Friday April 25th Caitlin went to OSU to participate in the State Career Development Events. She competed in the Landscape and Nursery division. In a competition the students either participate individually or on a team. Allen competed as a team. When competing on a team you are also judged individually. There are 95 plant specimens, 10 diseases, 13 insects and related pests, 7 physiological problems, 15 weeds, and 102 equipment and supplies that they have to memorize. At state they only ask about 50 of those combined but at the other competitions they were asked from 50 to 100. After the named above are IDed they are given a test with 50 questions to answer. The questions range from a wide variety of questions concerning horticulture. The next part of the competition is a practicum. At the regular competitions the only practicum they have is judging which is when there are 4 plants of the same kind and they have to be placed in order of quality. But at state each participant on a team had a different practicum. Caitlin's was a written practicum. She was given a letter from a "customer" who needed help in deciding which kind of tree to plant at his home given his specific desires. She had to look through a book of plants to find the ones she thought would be best. Then she had to write back in business letter form answering the questions and also explaining the care and keeping of the trees. They were given 30 minutes. Caitlin said it wasn't very hard but she didn't have time to finish. Overall, the team placed 3rd and Caitlin received 4th place and a $1,000 scholarship.