Landscape students compete nationally; receive scholarship

The 48th annual National Collegiate Landscape Competition proved to be fertile territory for the talents of Pennsylvania College of Technology students enrolled in landscape/plant production technology.

Held recently at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, the annual competition is considered a powerhouse event, bringing together the nation’s top landscape and horticulture students and the biggest industry manufacturers and suppliers, as well as leading companies in the field. In attendance were 50 schools and 650 students.

At the three-day gathering, second-year student Laura A. Snyder, of Harrisburg, received the Akerman Family Scholarship of $1,000 through the National Association of Landscape Professionals Foundation.

Of the 595 students competing, Snyder placed seventh overall in total points. She earned three top-10 finishes: fourth in the Lighting competition, eighth in Sales Presentation and eighth in Annual/Perennial Identification.

Of the 50 schools competing, Penn College placed 16th overall and achieved eight top-10 finishes in various categories.

“I’m very proud of the Penn College team and our 16th-place finish at NCLC,” Snyder said. “Attending an event that encourages and advances students of the industry is motivating beyond compare. Thank you to everyone who offered their support, and especially Mr. Bower for making our trip to NCLC possible.”

In addition to Snyder, others achieving those top-10 wins were: Luke C. Miller, of Wexford, second in the Compact Excavator competition; Miller and Jake A. Seasock, of Lancaster, seventh in Truck and Trailer Operation; Steven K. Thompson Jr., of Garnet Valley, and Peyton E. James, of Orwigsburg, ninth in Landscape Maintenance Operations and 10th in Irrigation Assembly; and Mickey D. Malec, of Roaring Brook Township, 10th in Compact Track/Skid Steer Loader Operation.

“NCLC 2024 was an amazing experience,” Miller said. “It was such a privilege to meet and connect with different companies, schools and upcoming industry professionals. I truly enjoyed getting to work with my fellow peers and bringing home a second-place win for our school.”

Carl J. Bower Jr., assistant professor of horticulture, who chaperoned the nine-member Penn College crew, added, “I couldn’t be prouder of these students. They all competed in multiple contests, several in disciplines they have not studied yet in class. They competed against two- and four-year programs and against students who have competed in this contest before. Eight of the nine were first-year students, so I’m really excited to see what they can do next year.”

The students are all members of the Penn College Horticulture Club, and others who attended were Tyler J. Dinatale, of Mohnton; Gretchen A. Kellar, of Butler; and Saudiah Wells, of Williamsport. Two landscape alumni accompanied the Penn College group on the trip: Ronald A. Burger and Sophia G. Wiest.

For more information on Penn College’s Associate of Applied Science degree in landscape/plant production technology, contact the School of Engineering Technologies at 570-327-4520.

For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.