Ripon Christian High’s FFA Career Development Event teams in Floriculture and Horse Evaluation had a National Finals CDE competition to remember in Indianapolis.
According to FFA advisor Megan Dyk, both teams earned their way to last month’s National Finals after “doing exceptionally well” at various field day events throughout the state earlier in the year.
The Floriculture team of Jeanne Oosterman, Sydney Vandenburg, Cora Vander Meulen, and Cailyn Mouw competed against 43 other state champion teams from across the country, emerging as National Champions at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Oosterman was named first high individual overall while Vandenburg claimed third high individual overall.
“It was the first time in 30 years that a Floriculture team from California won,” noted Dyk, who also coached the team.
She pointed out that the competition featured plant / tool identification, problem-solving exam, team activity, asexual growing procedures, vase design arrangement, body piece design arrangement, general knowledge exam, and construction of a mixed planter.
“The team spent their summer months as well as several days per week after school dedicated to preparation – they spent time learning from both Modesto Junior College and Merced College plant science professors as well as benefitted by the support from nurserymen at Morris Wholesale and Retail of Riverbank,” Dyk said.
Meanwhile, the RC Horse Evaluation team coached by Becky Hoekstra took second place.
Members consisted of Allison Copland, Morgan Timmerman, Caroline Kroon, and Payton Van Laar – Copland took home first high individual overall honors, Vandenberg was named third high individual, and Timmerman was eighth high individual.
The event consisted identification, judging classes, a knowledge test, and activities.
“They were blessed with the experience of their coach as well as community partners,” Dyk added, thanking supporters, parents, and coaches for their dedication on behalf of the RC FFA.
Along with the two teams, the RC FFA had six others attending the National Convention.
Included were conference sessions, industry tours, and leadership workshops.
“They also enjoyed touring the area and seeing the sights such as Churchill Downs and the National FFA Center,” Dyk said.
