NMSU: Floral Team Achieves Success in Regional and National Competitions
New Mexico State University (NMSU) is celebrating the outstanding achievements of its floral team, as they have recently secured regional and national awards in this year's competitions. The team, which aims to equip students for future careers in floriculture, has developed an impressive curriculum, according to a press release from NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
In July, ten members of the floral team showcased their talent at the national competition held during the American Institute of Floral Designers Annual Symposium in Chicago, Illinois. Their hard work paid off, as they achieved first, second, and fifth place. The team continued their winning streak in August at the regional competition in Lubbock, Texas, where they secured first, second, and third place honors. Additionally, they were honored with a people's choice award, demonstrating their popularity among attendees.
Sabine Green, the floriculture program coordinator and faculty adviser of the floral team, expressed her pride in their accomplishments. She stated, "This national competition has been extremely difficult and it's very prestigious. We have only been eligible to go to this national competition for the last four years, so this is the first time we have placed first."
During the regional competition, Sabrina Montoya, both an NMSU student and the president of the floral team, received the people's choice award, showcasing her exceptional talent. Rhiannon Rodriguez, the team's vice president and also an NMSU student, participated in both the regional and national competitions and secured first and second place at the regional event.
Being part of the floral team has opened numerous doors for the students, providing them with invaluable opportunities in the horticulture industry. Sabrina Montoya commented, "Being with the floral team has really opened a lot of doors, especially as a person in horticulture, but also going to competitions has opened a lot of doors for future careers."
The floral team, originally formed in the 1980s but disbanded during the 1990s, experienced a revival in 2003 under the guidance of faculty adviser Sabine Green. Since then, they have continued to thrive and achieve remarkable success in regional and national competitions, solidifying NMSU's position as a leader in floriculture education.
