Mount Zion High School FFA members Savannah Stephens and Jordon Norton recently attended the statewide FFA Floral Design Career Development Event training held at the GA FFA/ FCCLA Center. This two day training was developed specifically for FFA members and FFA Advisors to strengthen their floral design skills as well as build confidence in their own creative ability. The training was led and sponsored by members of the Georgia State Florist Association along with generous donations from many floral companies from across the nation. The partnership between the middle and high school agriculture programs and the Georgia State Florist Association plays a fundamental role in preparing students through hands on experiences for future careers in the floral industry. FFA Advisors/Agriculture Teachers that were in attendance included Mrs. Nikki Webb.

The Floral Design Career Development Event, which will be held in September, allows students to showcase their talents in a competitive environment by utilizing the principles and elements of design. Students use the principles of balance, proportion, scale, focal point, emphasis, rhythm, harmony, unity, and the technique of flower placement to create their designs.

Each student must also identify twenty-five flowers, plants or equipment from a list of seventy-five as well as take a test over the floral industry, safety and the proper techniques of floral design. The students make up to two floral arrangements during the area events in the time permitted. The top two students from each of the six area events will move on to compete on the state level in December at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

FFA is a national organization of over 501,000 members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. FFA is an integral part of the agricultural education program in public schools. The FFA mission is 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.