Gathering to check out the handiwork of the Canton FFA at their PA Farm Show landscape display on Monday were (from left) Sen. Gene Yaw, CHS principal Donny Jacopetti, CHS students Tyler Engel, Summar Rought, and Lydia Mead, Canton FFA adviser Tom Hojnowski, and Rep. Clint Owlett.
Story and lead photo by Rick Hiduk / additional photos submitted
(originally published in the Daily Review)
Members of the FFA based at Canton Junior Senior High School (CHS) pooled ideas again this year for a landscape exhibit that they would assemble in Harrisburg for the 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show. FFA advisor Tom Hojnowski is unsure of how many consecutive years the students have taken on landscape design projects, but he said that those who have participated most often have gleaned skills from mentors and former FFA members and garnered important skills they will use in the future.
After months of design, planning and maintaining a healthy stock of plant material for their display, Canton FFA members loaded everything up on Thursday and made the trip to the PA Farm Show Complex to erect structures and arrange the elements of their exhibit prior to the arrival of the public on Friday afternoon. This year’s landscape theme was “line and texture.”
“Landscape is one of the most challenging departments to enter as it is a long experience of growing and planting and building,” Hojnowski related. “And to get it there when it’s cold is a challenge itself.”
Two four-year FF officers, vice president Alexis McRoberts and president Tyler Engel, have shared the experience throughout their years in high school. Both credit retired Penn State Extension agent Tom Malone and CHS graduate Camille McRoberts – Alexis’ sister – with bringing a new level of expertise to their projects.
“She has done many landscapes herself and is always willing to help us when we need it,” Alexis said of Camille. Both are daughters of Brandy and Eric McRoberts. “I have learned so much from her throughout the years. But probably the biggest thing I’ve heard is how much details matter.”
Details of this year’s display include a white garden shed-like backdrop, placement of stone pavers and mulch, what Tyler described as the largest variety of plants they have ever put into a display.
“This year, we have a great variety of healthy, good looking plants,” Tyler noted, adding that Tom Maloney stopped by quite often as the project unfolded to guide the students in the process of growing, grooming and maintaining the vegetation. “A huge challenge we faced was time management, from the November deadline to having the plants ready to go by January.” An awkward holiday schedule, sports and other extracurricular activities also had to be integrated into their plans.
To their delight, the FFA from Northeast Bradford High School was working right next to them, setting up their own landscape display. Other FFA members were collaborating on a window display – very near the popular butter sculpture – that focus on ticks. Camille, an environmental engineering student at Juniata College, assisted with that project as well.
With the job at the Farm Show Complex completed and back home for a short break, the FFA members had some time to reflect on their endeavor and look forward to their return to Harrisburg on Monday for the annual state Mid-Winter FFA Convention scheduled for 2 pm in the New Holland Arena, hoping that a predicted winter storm would not hamper their plans. At the convention, Tyler will receive his Keystone FFA degree and be acknowledged along with his parents, Pamela and Charles Engel, as one of few families to have had three members received the FFA’s highest state honor. CHS freshmen Summar Route and Lydia Mead are slated to receive their first FFA jackets.
As for projects like the landscape exhibit, window and other activities the senior students have experienced during their high school career, Tyler stated that he become better at time management and problem solving, both of which will be invaluable in the future.
“I hope projects like these will prepare not only me but my classmates for our futures by teaching us to work together as a team and overcome challenges,” Alexis added.
Results of judging on Friday and Saturday found Canton in seventh place with their landscape exhibit and fourth place for their window display.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show continues through Saturday, Jan. 11, and the landscape displays are easily accessible in the Giant Expo Hall behind the food court. For more information, interested readers can log on to pa.gov/agencies/farmshow.
Canton FFA secretary Savannah Bastian-Brown takes another look at the club’s window display about ticks, which took fourth place at this year’s Pennsylvania Farm Show.
Long-time FFA mentor Tom Maloney checks on the progress of the plant material to be used in the landscape display during a November visit with the Canton students.
Canton High School seniors Tyler Engel (left) and Alexis McRoberts are among the school’s FFA members who spearheaded the design and installation of a landscape display at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, which began on Jan. 4 and continues through Saturday, Jan. 11.
Canton FFA advisor Tom Hojnowski surveys the progress of the landscape display installation from above.