Sixty-seven teams, including two FFA high-school teams (a total of 839 students) participated in 28 individual and team competitions. Tree climbing, hardscape installation, wood construction, plant identification, sales presentation, exterior/interior design, irrigation troubleshooting, skid steer, 3D exterior landscape design, personnel management, and small engine repair were just a few of the events.
Awards were given to the top placing students, called “Superstars,” as well as to winning teams. The individual winners were, in first place, Chase Ricks of Brigham Young University – Provo (Provo, Utah); in second place, Alex Nisbet of Alamance Community College (Graham, North Carolina); and in third place, Jeff Elshoff of Michigan State University (Lansing, Michigan).
Brigham Young University – Idaho took first place in the overall competitive event, followed by Brigham Young University – Provo in second place, and Michigan State University in third.
Aside from bragging rights, some students also received scholarships and award money at a special PLANET Academic Excellence Foundation (PLANET AEF) reception, sponsored by STIHL. This year, PLANET AEF gave $59,700 in scholarships and awards. Students also took advantage of the opportunity to meet and interview with 52 landscape industry companies for full-time positions and internships at the on-site Career Fair.
For a complete list of winners, including the winners of each individual event, please visit the Student Career Days website. For more information about Student Career Days, visit www.StudentCareerDays.org.
