Four Polk County High School FFA students attended the 2018 Horticultural Science Summer Institute in mid-July on the campus of North Carolina State University.

Evan Dadson, Meghan Blackwell, Kayla Williams and Tatianna Carey were among a group of students invited to spend a week getting to know N.C. State while exploring the many facets of the department of horticultural science. The HSSI students lived in a campus residence hall, experienced campus dining and participated in workshops designed to engage them with the many career opportunities within horticulture.

Students received hands-on opportunities to explore breeding better fruits and vegetables; growing a diverse selection of woody ornamentals; lengthening the life of cut flowers; learning sustainable production and design practices; and delving into practical tools that enhance understanding of plant processes. Students had the opportunity to visit farms, markets, greenhouses and gardens, and explored college-making decisions and leadership development, while enjoying evening entertainment and team-building activities.

The camp provided a close-knit forum for students across the state (and country) to gather together and broaden their interest and knowledge about horticulture and N.C. State.

The Polk County Community Foundation sponsored the students’ trip.

– Submitted by Chauncey Barber