Indianapolis, Ind.—Winners of the National FFA Nursery and Landscape Career Development Event (NLCDE) were announced recently at the annual awards banquet. The event, which is sponsored by STIHL Inc., was held in conjunction with the 81st National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. and featured 41 teams from around the country.
The top eleven individuals and the members of the national winning team received scholarships to further their education at the post-secondary institutions of their choice.
The team from Linn High School FFA placed first in the National FFA Nursery and Landscape Career Development. Event Team members were Heather Oentrich, Melissa Pachta, Lindy Singular, and Briauna Lohse and were coached by Trenton Horn.
"The event prepares students for real world application of their skills," said Robert Logan, North Carolina Chatham County School superintendent, who participated in the event as a guest judge in the sales/communications competition.
"This event is truly unique. Our education system can sometimes be too didactic, stressing pure knowledge over applied knowledge. In this career development event, the students actually do something with what they have learned showcasing both information and application. I have also been impressed with the character of these young people. It is a joy to work with a group who exhibit such respect, commitment and enthusiasm."
Roger Phelps of STIHL Inc. said, "It is important to let the youth of America put the education and values they have been taught at the high school level in front of the best and brightest minds in nursery and landscape education."
"To watch high school students make these dynamic presentations with pride and confidence in what they have learned over the past few years lets all of us in the industry know that our environment will be in sturdy, capable hands. STIHL's sponsorship underscores our commitment to youth groups with a passion for learning the latest discoveries in keeping our planet green," added Phelps.
About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the world's largest selling brand of chain saws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast— not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the U.S. only. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the STIHL Web site at http://www.stihlusa.com/index.html.
STIHL is pleased to support the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund) and the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD).
For information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc., please go to http://www.stihlcareers.com/. STIHL is an EEO and drug-free work environment
About the FFA
The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Founded in 1928, the FFA organization represents a large diversity of over 300 careers in the food, fiber and natural resources industry. More than 7,000 FFA chapters are currently in existence; their programs are managed on a local, state and national level.
For additional information, please visit http://www.ffa.org/.
