For the Perry and Sonoraville FFA members, long hours of practice were rewarded as they brought home the top trophies from the state nursery landscape career development event Saturday at the FFA Center in Covington.

Georgia Green Industry Association (GGIA) is the educational sponsor for competition. Industry representatives, Mr. Will Ross and Andrew Holloway served as contest officials and Pike’s Nursery provided the live plant materials.

Perry FFA, coached by agriculture education teacher Argene Claxton placed first in the Senior Division. Perry’s team members include Tyler Claxton, Chance Benefield, Mitchell Freeman and Jake Parker. Rachel Foss of Jefferson County FFA was the highest individual for the senior competition. Sonoraville FFA, coached by agriculture education teacher Sara Clark took home the top trophy for the junior division.

Sonoraville FFA team members include Ashley Morgan, Savannah Williams, Jared Bunch, and Andrew Hayes. Jared Bunch was the overall highest score for the junior division. The first place teams not only earn the state championship title but have earned their place to compete in the national career development event.

The FFA Nursery Landscape competition consists of a written exam, identification of plants, disorders and equipment and hands on skills in problem solving and landscape design. The competition is based on the educational objectives of the Georgia Agriculture Education horticulture curriculum and standard practices in the horticulture industry.

The purpose of the career development event is to connect students from what is taught in the classroom to practices utilized in the nursery and landscape industry. Moreover, the competition promotes academic achievement and skill competence for students who seek a future horticulture program of study and career.

This event is one of the many educational activities in which the FFA members apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. The Georgia FFA Association has the third largest FFA membership in the nation with over 30,000 members. FFA strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.