AHSLAND — On Oct. 15th, 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 2nd overall individual and Haley McNaull 10th individual overall. Ashland’s team placed 5th overall. Elise Frazer and Haley McNaull won 4th in Cost Estimating where they were given landscape plans to evaluate and calculate the total cost of installation. Brandon Keiser placed 2nd in Chainsaw where he demonstrated knowledge on safe operation and maintenance. Thomas O’Toole and Brandon Keiser were 5th in Hardscape Installation in which they prepped and laid pavers. Haley McNaull was 1st in herbaceous plant ID and Elise Frazer was 4th where they identified live specimens and pictures by their common and scientific names. Ebenezer Wolfe was 4th 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 6th in Irrigation and demonstrated skills in assessing and addressing issues in irrigation piping. Nick Cartwright was 5th in Mini Track showing his ability to safely operate equipment. Haley McNaull was 2nd in Landscape Design where she utilized a budget and customer needs to design a satisfactory landscape.
Nick Cartwright was 2nd 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 7th in Sod Installation evaluating fertilizer application and watering strategies. Dominick Bachman and Nick Cartwright were 6th in Truck and Trailer, safely attaching and maneuvering the vehicle. Michael Hamiliton and James Coffman were 8th in Surveying, demonstrating proper land evaluation skills. Michael Hamilton and James Coffman were 2nd in Tool ID, showing their knowledge for the tools of the trade. Brandon Keiser and Thomas O’Toole were 7th 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 Mr. 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.