Teacher Spotlight- Malena Perry
What is the most significant new or different aspect to your program this year?
“This year we are limited on space where we can work outside on campus due to the construction project.”
What are some of the more common career pathways your students take when they leave CPACTC?
“Horticulture is a very diverse career field with thousands of different career pathways. Most students work for a local greenhouse, florist or garden center. There are several students who have gone onto college and have taken on such careers as landscape architect, landscape designer, and golf course superintendent. If you have the drive to succeed, anything is possible!
What training/unit do employers seek that helps students get their foot in the door?
“Most employers just want people to show up everyday and do what is expected of them. Our training we offer here at CPACTC will be a definite foot in the door and a leg up on others who may not have experience in horticulture."
What are some of the recent technologies and/or trends in the profession with which students become familiar?
“We watch the trends in the floral design industry and the types of plant materials that are popular among gardeners every year. There are always new products and changing techniques on how to make our job tasks easier, but quality is always at the forefront of our products.”
What unit/topic do students struggle with the most in your program?
“Math.”
Why do you think that is?
“Seems like there is a disconnect between how things used to be taught as opposed to the way students are taught today.”
Explain a typical day in your program.
“There really isn’t a typical day in our program. Some of what we do depends on the weather of the day, most of the hands-on landscaping tasks are outdoors. We also take on projects from the community which are generally fresh floral designs which are time sensitive because everything is perishable. Students need to focus on the task at hand, follow directions and work with others.”
What advice would you give students who have completed your program?
“Always do your best and never give up.”
How many years have you been at CPACTC?
“27 years.”
What was your experience before coming to CPACTC?
“I started my horticulture career as a vocational student at the Franklin County Career and Technical Center (formally FCAVTS), I became a cooperative education student and worked at a local florist in Chambersburg. I continued to work there as I went to school at Penn State University where I earned a bachelor's degree in AG Education. Upon graduation from Penn State, I took on a few subbing jobs in the Chambersburg area until I was contacted by the CPAVTS director Anthony Vicic, and the rest is history!”
Program Spotlight- Students_ Courtney Mullen
Summarize what you learn in your program in ONE SENTENCE (if you can).
“I learned about landscaping design, math for landscaping, plant functions, different types of plants, greenhouses, and how they work.”
What is the hardest part of your program?
“The hardest part of my program is the math that is involved with figuring out how much of each material you will need with a landscape design. I think that is because there are so many rules and formulas to remember and each one is different.”
What is the most fun part of your program?
“I think the most fun part of my program is coming together and working as a team in the greenhouses. While transplanting and just watching the work we all did grow and being able to see it make others happy.”
What is some recent technology you are learning to use in your program that is specific to your profession?
What is your plan for after high school? BE SPECIFIC!
“My plan for after high school is going to college for ecology with a biology core. Then starting my career as a wildlife rehabilitator. While also having my own farm stand with a greenhouse with my family.”
What is going to be the highlight of the year?
“Community Day is going to be highlight of my year.”
What are you proud of learning how to do in your program?
“I am proud of learning about greenhouses and how they work. There are many different things in greenhouses that you would not think about until you actually have to deal with it. “
Explain a typical day in shop.
“A typical day in my shop is starting off with instructions from my teacher on what needs done. Then doing the things she asked me to do or finding something useful to work on. Every day is different with multiply different projects that can only happen at certain times of the year. Then I go to social studies for the last period of the day.”
How is your program at CPACTC different from other classes you have had in the past? Can you give some examples?
“My program is different because i have hands on experience here. I can learn responsibility, teamwork, and delegating tasks in a real-world situation.”
What advice would you give to a beginning Level 1 student who is just starting the program or to a student who is considering enrolling in your program at CPACTC?
“I would tell them to work hard and want to actually do work. This shop can be fast paced and ever changing.”