Murray, Ky.–For the fifth consecutive year, the Murray State University Horticulture Judging Team won first place overall and earned 11 additional top placings in five categories at the Southern Region American Society for Horticultural Science Judging Contest held in Atlanta, Georgia, from Feb. 1-4.
Not only did the team receive high marks in plant knowledge but also for their leadership as a collegiate student organization, earning first place overall for Outstanding Horticulture Club and first place for Presentation of their Club Leadership. As a result, they were rewarded with $250 to go toward club activities of their choice.
Savannah French, Ginni Mikulcik, Payton Baker, Jonathan Barnes and Cade Johnson competed. They were coached by their advisor, Dava Hayden.
French won first place overall individually, first in floriculture crops and first in the woody ornamental crops category. Mikulcik won second place overall individually and first in vegetable crop commodities judging. Baker won third place overall individually. Murray State placed first in the woody, floriculture and vegetable categories as a school team.
A total of 28 contestants competed from Murray State, Texas A&M, University of Georgia, University of Arkansas, Southern Illinois University and Middle Tennessee State University.