Local FFA chapter competes in national event

Submitted Article

Members of the Diamond Mountain FFA Chapter in Nevada were one of  39 teams participating in the National FFA Nursery/Landscape Career Development Event (CDE). The event was held in conjunction with the 88th National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville, Ky.

The team, led by advisor Leslie Zimmerman, was awarded a Bronze emblem. Members also competed for individual awards with 147 other participants. Emma Damele received a Silver emblem, Katie Damele received a Bronze emblem, Megan Damele received a Bronze emblem, and Catarina Brown received a Bronze emblem.

The top ten individuals and the national winning team members received cash awards to recognize their success in the event. The cash awards and the event are sponsored by Arysta LifeScience North America Corporation, Kubota Tractor Corporation and STIHL Inc. as a special project of the National FFA Foundation and the National FFA Organization.

The National FFA Nursery/Landscape CDE is a competitive event in which FFA members test their knowledge and skills in nursery practices and landscaping. Participants must complete a general knowledge exam testing horticultural principles including plant anatomy, production, marketing, turf, landscape design and maintenance. Each participant must also complete practicums involving a landscape estimating, plant propagation or potting, identification of plants, disorders and equipment. Each team competed on local and state levels to earn the privilege of representing their state at the National FFA Convention & Expo.

This event, held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., is one of many educational activities at the national convention in which FFA members apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations.