By LACI NYDAM
FFA Reporter
After months of preparation, practice and studying, the Ripon Christian FFA Career Development Event (CDE) teams of both Floriculture and Horse Evaluation made their way to Indianapolis for the National Finals CDE contest late October. Many of the team members are from Oakdale. Both teams had stellar seasons last spring, doing exceptionally well at various field day competitions throughout the state of California. In May, they were crowned California State Champions, thus allowing them to compete at the National Finals competition.
The Floriculture team, consisting of Jeanne Oosterman, Sydney Vandenberg, Cora VanderMeulen, and Cailyn Mouw competed against 43 other State Champion teams from across the U.S. Their competition consisted of: 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 MJC and Merced College plant science professors as well as benefitted by support from nurserymen at Morris Wholesale and Retail nurseries of Riverbank. The team took on floral events to help fund their trip and this also served as a way to practice for the contest.
Coach Megan Dyk said that, “The team felt covered in prayer from their school and community and that everything came together just at the right time in Indianapolis.”
Walking across the stage at Lucas Oil Stadium, being announced as National Champions as well as Jeanne Oosterman named First High Individual Overall and Sydney Vandenberg named Third High Individual Overall is something they won’t soon forget. It was the first time in 30 years that a Floriculture team from California won, which had all in attendance from the state cheering them on.
The Horse Evaluation team, consisting of Allison Copland, Morgan Timmerman, Caroline Kroon, and Payton Van Laar, coached by Becky Hoekstra also had amazing results winning second place team in the US. Allison Copland was the Second High Individual and Morgan Timmerman also walked on stage as the Eighth High Individual. Their contest consisted of: identification, judging classes, a knowledge test, and team activities. They are grateful for the many community members that participated in the Cow Pie Bingo fundraiser or contributed to the preparation that brought their team to Indianapolis.
The team members would like to thank all their supporters, parents and coaches for their dedication to the success of RC FFA. They have gained not only career technical skills in their respective industries, but have keenly developed skills in public speaking, problem-solving, critical thinking, time management and teamwork. The majority of the team members will be graduating this school year and many look forward to continuing their education in the agriculture industry. Along with the two teams, six other RC FFA members attended the National FFA Convention where they attended 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.
