It was an exciting first for Fox Valley Technical College’s Horticulture program. Nine students packed their bags and headed to Fort Collins, Colorado, to represent FVTC at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC), hosted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals. 

Over four days, students from 52 colleges and universities came together for hands-on workshops, competitive events, a massive job fair and plenty of networking with top professionals in the landscaping industry.  

Thanks to the support of the FVTC Horticulture Club and Student Government Association, the team had the opportunity to learn, compete and connect in ways that will benefit them far beyond the classroom. 

One of the biggest highlights of the trip came when FVTC Horticulture program student, Lily Johnson placed third in the Compact Track Skid Steer Operation event, earning national recognition for her skills and hard work.  

“We are excited to have begun this tradition,” explains Chuck Stangel, Horticulture instructor at FVTC. “It is a great benefit to both our students and program to be recognized and involved at a national level” 

With their first year at NCLC now in the books, the team is already looking ahead to next year’s event at Michigan State University. The plan is to bring an even larger group of students and continue building on the momentum started this year. 

Congratulations to all!