MOUNT VERNON – The Knox County Career Center (KCCC) Landscape Design & Management program won first place at the sixth annual Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association’s (ONLA) Ohio High School Landscape Olympics (OHLO) at the Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster.
ONLA’s Ohio High School Landscape Olympics tests students’ skills through hands-on, competitive events designed by industry professionals. OHLO broadens the high school education experience and introduces students to the many opportunities offered by a career in the green industry.
KCCC competed in 15 events and finished with 1,165.25 total points. KCCC competed against 14 other schools, most of them being career tech schools.
“The students worked really hard this year," said John Campbell, Landscape Design & Management instructor. "The seniors weren’t satisfied with their second-place finish last year and had a goal to win the competition this year. The seniors led the way, and the juniors exceeded expectations.
“I am proud of what they accomplished," Campbell said. "The Ohio High School Landscape Olympics is a great event put on by ONLA. It is set up and judged completely by employers and supporters of the landscape Industry.”
OHLO is open to all Ohio high schools and career centers with horticulture programs.
Award Winners
COMPACT EXCAVATOR
Nathan Burwell (Sr) first place
SKID STEER OPERATION
Colton Love (Jr) third place
TURFGRASS
Dayna Muck (Sr), Kiana Kolasky (Sr), and James Hurlow (Jr) first place
HERBACEOUS PLANT ID
Miles McLaughlin (Jr), Mackenzie Ernsberger (Jr), and Dezirae Fetty (Sr) third place
WOODY PLANT ID
Dayna Muck (Sr), Dusty Kaufman (Jr), Dezirae Fetty (Sr), and Anna Emmelhainz (Sr) first place
HARDSCAPE INSTALLATION
Keeleigh Johnston (Sr) and Jake Tucker (Sr) third place
PLANT INSTALLATION
Owen Furnis (Sr), Keeleigh Johnston (Sr), and James Hurlow (Jr) first place
SURVEY INSTRUMENT & MEASUREMENTS
Corben Verne (Sr), and Reece Wood (Sr) second place
SALES PRESENTATION
Keeleigh Johnston (Sr) third place
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
Jake Tucker (Sr), and Owen Furnis (Sr) third place
TRUCK & TRAILER
Landen Clifton (Sr), Deion Parker (Sr) second place
KNOT TYING
Dezirae Fetty (Sr), AJ Fonner (Jr), and Anna Emmelhainz (Sr) first place
