MACON, Ga. – Winners of the Floriculture Career Development Event (CDE) were recognized at the 95^th Georgia FFA State Convention held at the Macon Centreplex on April 27-29, 2023. 

In the senior division, Kenneth Williams of Colquitt County was the high scoring individual, followed by Aaron Wright of Colquitt County and Chloe Pulliam of Franklin County placing second and third respectively. The senior team state winner was Perry followed by Rutland in second place and Colquitt County in third. 

The junior division high individual was Addison Colbert of Rutland, followed by Remiya Stephens of Rutland in second place and Luis Salins of Bagley Middle. The junior team state winner was Rutland, with second place going to Bagley Middle and third place to Lee County Middle West.

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 Floriculture Career Development Event tests participants’ knowledge and skills in various aspects of the industry. The team event includes identification of plant materials and disorders, as well as hands-on problem solving and a written exam involving the production, use of plant material and their maintenance, related products, equipment and services.

The Floriculture Career Development Event was sponsored at the state level by Support Georgia Agriculture.

All individual and team winners received a plaque and a cash award. Individual winners received $100. Second place individuals received $50 and third place individuals received $25. The winning team was awarded $2000 travel money to attend the National FFA Convention. Additionally, the advisor of the state winning team received a $100 cash award. 

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 860,000 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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