MACON, Ga. – Winners of the Nursery and Landscape Career Development Event (CDE) were recognized at the 96^th Georgia FFA State Convention held at the Macon Centreplex on April 25-27, 2024. 

In the senior division, Ricardo Diaz of the Mary Persons FFA Chapter was the state high scoring individual, followed by Dionel Silva of Cloquitt County in second, and Addison Smith of Central of Carroll in third. In the team competition, the state winner was Mary Persons, followed by Colquitt County in second place and Central of Carroll in third.

In the junior division, Makenna Snelson of Lee County Middle was the state high individual, followed by Violet Cipriano of North Oconee and Lynden Edmonds of Lee County Middle finishing second and third, respectively. In the team competition, the state winner was Ware County, followed by Lee County Middle East in second place and Lee County Middle West in third. 

CDE and LDE awards are granted to FFA members and teams who have exhibited premier leadership, personal growth, and career success in a variety of competitions. The Nursery and Landscape CDE tests participants’ knowledge and skills in various aspects of the industry. This event includes the identification of plant materials and disorders, as well as a hands-on problem solving and a written exam involving the production, design, installation, and maintenance of landscape plants, related products, equipment and services. 

The Nursery and Landscape Career Development Event was sponsored at the state level by Georgia’s Ag Tag Sales.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, changed its name in 1988 to reflect the growth and diversity of agriculture. There are nearly 940,000 FFA members nationwide. The Georgia Association has more than 80,000 members, making it the third largest Association in the nation. The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success, through agricultural education. 

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Media Contact: Katibeth Wise, (229) 254-4811, [email protected]