Landscape/Nursery Technology Student Receives Scholarship

Published 04.22.2004

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Student News

A Landscape/Nursery Technology student at Pennsylvania College of Technology was awarded a $1,000 scholarship as part of the 28th Annual Associated Landscape Contractors of America Student Career Days, recently held in Columbus, Ohio.

Ryan K. Allar of Donaldson, among participants from the College's School of Natural Resources Management in the March 25-28 event, was one of only 36 students to receive a scholarship from the ALCA Educational Foundation. Scholarships are awarded to students in landscape/horticulture programs at two- and four-year colleges across the nation schools that must have an ALCA-accredited landscape contracting curriculum.

It was Penn College's first appearance in competition since the association accredited its Landscape/Nursery Technology program in late 2002. The team of 20 students joined by horticulture faculty Richard J. Weilminster, Dennis P. Skinner and Dennis Fink did not place high enough for honors.

But the assistant dean of the School of Natural Resources Management said the experience shouldn't be dismissed.

"It was important for them to get a feel for the competition to go up against other schools, using the very skills that are necessary in the landscape/nursery contracting field," said Dr. Mary A. Sullivan. "Our students also had the opportunity to network with industry representatives and potential employers."

In addition to Allar, Penn College was represented by:

Christopher M. Biancotti, Friedens; Alaine E. Bower, Cogan Station; Dustin B. Camblin, Johnstown; Christopher R. Denial, Union City; Daniel D. Eaves, Greenville; Nathan C. Graybill, McAlisterville; Joseph B. Luckenbaugh, Shermans Dale; Cheryl L. Miller, Williamsport; John D. Odgren, Nescopeck; Christopher A. Paolucci, Pocono Summit; Eric J. Shaffer, Stoystown; Richard N. Skorupski, Orwigsburg; Kurt J. Stark, Akron; David L. Tilburg, Hughesville; Debra L. Vanemon, Williamsport; Joanne H. Wagner, Bloomsburg; Travis A. Wilkins, York; Klaus N. Williams, Lemont; Ryan T. Wright, State College.

Areas of competition were: Arboriculture Techniques, Compact Utility Loader, Exterior Landscape Design, Interior Landscape Design, Interiorand Exterior Construction Cost Estimating, Interior Plant ID, Irrigation Assembly, Landscape Plant Installation, Maintenance Equipment Operation, Paver Installation, Personnel Management, Pest Management, Skid Steer Operation, Weedand Turf Identification, Wood Construction, and Woody Ornamental Plant Identification.

ALCA represents approximately 2,800 members nationwide, including its core membership of professional exterior and interior landscape maintenance, installation, and design/build contracting firms and suppliers. For more information about the organization, visit online.

For more about Penn College's School of Natural Resources Management, visit online or call (570) 320-8038.