Picture this, you’re in class and your teacher tells you have a test coming up. This is a common situation for students, but what if you had 3 years of information to learn and time to study for this ONE test?

NRAS plant program students were put to the test with this challenging task. After committing to memory the identification of 220 plants t and the depth processes of plant functions and care the students made their way to the Maryland Department of Agriculture to take the CPH exam, Certified Professional Horticulturist.   After you pass this test you have an edge on the other people applying for a job in the horticulture field.

The test begins with a 100 multiple choice questions ranging from how to speak with a customer to detailed plant management practices. Then, the students must identify 40 plants. This task is incredible difficult, and most do not pass on the first attempt. Junior Sarah Burton stated that the best part of the CPH test experience was, “coming together as a class and studying to help each other out.”

Junior Toby Koermer, stated that to improve his score he will, “study more often and in advance.”  The teacher behind the student’s success is Ms. Erika Edwards. Edwards inspires students to keep pushing themself to be the best studes they can be. Three students this year passed the exam, junior Sarah Burton, junior Kyle Manners, and senior Paul Johnson. Congratulations to those students!

Our NRAS plant students weren’t the only group testing their horticultural knowledge. In our local Harford County 4-H community students, James Houck and Sarah Ortt along with their team members made their way to the National Junior Horticulture Convention! They were challenged with identifying 45 different samples and complete an 80 question test on horticulture information. Sarah Ortt says, “the best part was being able to experience the Erie area and their horticulture products. We were able to tour grape vineyards around the coast of the lake and visit a vineyard and see how they make wine and use products locally and nationally.”

The team studied by visiting local nurseries and studied together as a group. Individually, they each had a book that they read to prepare and study seeds and other plants at home.

The team first competed at a state level where they won the opportunity to go to Nationals! After, studying and preparing the team pulled out the win and became the National Horticulture champions! Congratulations Sarah and James! This goes to show to pursue what your passion and you may just become the best!