Having the AIFD Symposium in DC, just minutes from AFE’s offices, provided the perfect opportunity for AFE to meet with a group of FFA students to discuss “Exciting Career Opportunities in Floriculture”. AFE Chairman Dwight Larimer and Executive Director Debi Chedester spoke with 20 students, along with their faculty advisors. These students were awarded grants to attend AIFD to experience the floral industry and its talented floral designers firsthand. The students came from Cambridge High School in Idaho, Marshfield High School in Missouri, Southern Alamance in North Carolina and Windom Area High School in Minnesota.
In addition to participating in floral design workshops, FFA students were provided with their own educational programs during Symposium. AFE took part in the educational programs by presenting on the many rewarding career opportunities in the floral industry. Additionally, the students were encouraged to get involved early by joining AFE’s Young Professionals Council (YPC) and applying for AFE’s internships and scholarships. Laura Rich, Director of Marketing, North America at Smithers-Oasis joined the presentation, sharing she, too, was involved in FFA and now “has the best job ever!”
While some of the students knew exactly what they wanted to do as far as a career in the floral industry, just as many didn’t, said Debi Chedester. “It was great to be able to share the many opportunities available in the industry. We will be watching for their scholarship and internship applications in the coming years.”