Pictured are L-R: Jessica Duplaga (Keystone); Josh Simon (N. Ridgeville) and Kellie Hanko (Wellington)

January 21, 2010 -- Over 70 students from six area Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs competed at the recent District 2 FFA Nursery and Landscaping Contest at Pioneer Career & Technology Center in Shelby, Ohio.

The Lorain County JVS Landscaping and Greenhouse Management team, consisting of Kellie Hanko from Wellington, Jessica Duplaga from Keystone, and Josh Simon from North Ridgeville, placed 3rd. Jessica Duplaga placed 6th in the individual competition.

As part of the competition, students had to identify tools used in the landscaping industry; identify pests and plant diseases; identify scientific and common names of plants; and complete a 50-question test.

The team will advance to the State competition on January 27 in Columbus.