FFA Floral team ranks third in nation
Once again Susanville FFA ranks among the nation’s best.
During the recent National FFA Career and Development competition in Indiana, the floral team of four — Elena German, Marisa Flux, Becky Struthers and Christina West-Lucchesi — with coach Holly Egan, played to their strengths and placed third among the top teams from throughout the country.
“We really feel nothing but gratitude for the experiences that have brought us here, and all that has come from our time at Nationals. Our success is shaped not by a placing, a score or a number, but what we have learned about each other and ourselves. To sum up the years we have spent together, like flowers, we grew,” said German, who placed eighth high in the nation.
The top 10 individuals and the national winning team members received cash awards, sponsored by Ball Horticultural Company and Bayer, recognizing their success.
The National FFA Floriculture Career Development Event tested the knowledge and skills of FFA members in the production and retailing of flowers, plants and foliage, according to a statement from FFA.
The team completed a general knowledge exam on the floriculture industry, identified plant materials, demonstrated problem solving and decision-making skills, employment and customer service skills, along with technical floral skills while working as a team.
The team of four qualified for Nationals after finishing first in California’s state finals in May by a very large
margin.
Two of the members, West-Lucchesi and Struthers, graduated Lassen High School and attended Kansas State and Lassen Community College, respectively. German and Flux are now in their senior year at LHS.
Leading up to the event, the four team members dedicated countless hours studying and working as a team in preparation for Nationals.
Their hard work paid off as, once again, Susanville FFA nabbed a spot among the nation’s best.
