On Oct. 15, 25 members of the Ashland FFA Chapter traveled to Ohio State-ATI for the Ohio High School Landscape Olympics (OHLO). Students identified plants, operated equipment, laid out landscape plans, installed sod, and created hardscapes in a competition setting put on by the Ohio Green Industry Association. Students also had an opportunity to explore the many landscape industry displays.
Congratulations to Brandon Keiser, who was second overall individual and Haley McNaull, who was 10th individual overall.
Ashland’s team placed fifth overall.
Elise Frazer and Haley McNaull won fourth in Cost Estimating, where they were given landscape plans to evaluate and calculate the total cost of installation. Brandon Keiser placed second in Chainsaw, where he demonstrated knowledge on safe operation and maintenance. Thomas O’Toole and Brandon Keiser were fifth in Hardscape Installation, in which they prepped and laid pavers.
Haley McNaull was first in herbaceous plant ID and Elise Frazer was fourth, where they identified live specimens and pictures by their common and scientific names. Ebenezer Wolfe was fourth in Low Voltage Lighting, where he had the opportunity to show his skills at utilizing a plan to mount a transformer and wire path lights to meet the needs of customers.
Dominick Bachman and Brandon Keiser were sixth in Irrigation and demonstrated skills in assessing and addressing issues in irrigation piping. Nick Cartwright was fifth in Mini Track, showing his ability to safely operate equipment. Haley McNaull was second in Landscape Design, where she utilized a budget and customer needs to design a satisfactory landscape.
Nick Cartwright was second in Skid Steer, where he safely maneuvered equipment. Thomas O’Toole and Dominic Smith were 10th in Landscape Maintenance, showing their skills in lawn mower operations. Jackson Fyffe and Thomas O’Toole were seventh in Sod Installation, evaluating fertilizer application and watering strategies. Dominick Bachman and Nick Cartwright were sixth in Truck and Trailer, safely attaching and maneuvering the vehicle.
Michael Hamiliton and James Coffman were eighth in Surveying, demonstrating proper land evaluation skills. Michael Hamilton and James Coffman were second in Tool ID, showing their knowledge of the tools of the trade. Brandon Keiser and Thomas O’Toole were seventh in Tree Climbing, using the appropriate equipment and methods to access higher places. Haley McNaull, Elise Frazer, and Noah Sobish took home 10th in Plant Installation, showing skills in plan evaluation and attention to detail. All participants had amazing success!
The chapter would like to thank the Ohio Green Industry Association for putting on such an amazing competition and trade show. As well as advisor, Tod Fox, for preparing them for this contest. Students are now one step closer to being ready for the Nursery Landscape CDE in the spring.
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Ashland FFA Chapter finishes 5th overall at Ohio High School Landscape Olympics
Reporting by Provided by Hannah McNaull, Ashland FFA reporter / Ashland Times Gazette
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