The Cal Poly Floral Team tied for third place at the American Institute of Floral Designers National Symposium held July 4-9 in Las Vegas. In addition, the team took first place in the wedding category and second in the sympathy category. Kiara Benavides (Agricultural Science, ’22) won the People’s Choice award and placed first in the overall student category.  The team is coached by Lecturer Melinda Lynch.

The Cal Poly team competed against teams from Seneca Junior College in Canada, Texas A&M, University of Missouri, Kishwaukee College, New Mexico State University, Western Kentucky University and Ohio State University.

Additional results by category:

Wedding Category: Cal Poly first place; Kiara Benavides third place, Samantha Theodozio and Madison Reaves sixth place

Sympathy Category: Cal Poly second place; Kiara Benavides second place, Madison Reaves fifth place

Flowers to Wear: Cal Poly fourth place, Kiara Benavides second place

People’s Choice : Kiara Benavides

Overall Student: Kiara Benavides