MACON, Ga. – Winners of the Floriculture Career Development Event (CDE) were recognized at the 98th Georgia FFA State Convention held at the Macon Centreplex on April 22-25, 2026. 

In the senior division, Micah Griffin of Colquitt County was the high scoring individual, followed by Mattie Browning of White County and Zachary Jones of Rutland placing second and third respectively. The senior team state winner was Berrien County followed by Colquitt County in second place and North Murray in third. 

The junior division high individual was Henry Webb of Colquitt County, followed by Zaylee Kirkpatrick of Lee County in second place and Yolanda Chai of Dove Creek Middle. The junior team state winner was Lee County, with second place going to Colquitt County and third place to Dove Creek Middle.

CDE and LDE awards are granted to FFA members and teams who have exhibited premier leadership, personal growth and career success in a variety of competitions. The Floriculture Career Development Event tests participants’ knowledge and skills in various aspects of the industry. The team event includes identification of plant materials and disorders, as well as hands-on problem solving and a written exam involving the production, use of plant material and their maintenance, related products, equipment and services.

The Floriculture Career Development Event was sponsored at the state level County Farm Plant Company & the Georgia FFA Foundation.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, changed its name in 1988 to reflect the growth and diversity of agriculture. There are over 1 Million FFA members nationwide. The Georgia Association has more than 80,000 members, making it the third largest Association in the nation. The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success, through agricultural education. 

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