Friday, April 24, 2026
Scholarship recipient Cale M. Rice, of Julian, second from right, a Pennsylvania College of Technology landscape/plant production technology student, received a $1,000 Joe Palimeno Family Scholarship during the 50th annual National College Landscape Competition. He is seen with, from left, Palimeno; Carl J. Bower Jr., assistant professor of horticulture; and Paul Fraynd, National Association of Landscape Professionals president.
Thirteen Pennsylvania College of Technology landscape/plant production technology students recently attended the 50th annual National College Landscape Competition at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan. During the event, Cale M. Rice, of Julian, was awarded a $1,000 Joe Palimeno Family Scholarship.
In addition to the competition, the team enjoyed a day of visiting the growing operation of Walters Gardens Inc., Zeeland, Michigan, and Spring Meadows Nursery, Grand Haven, Michigan, home of Proven Winners perennials and woody plants.
Carl J. Bower Jr., assistant professor of horticulture; Wyatt C. Forest, horticulture laboratory assistant; and Sophia G. Wiest, residence life coordinator and a graduate of the program, accompanied the group.
The 50-year-old event, hosted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, brings together students, faculty and industry representatives for hands-on competitive events, a career fair, educational workshops, and scholarship and networking opportunities.
“Hearing what impact this competition, and the entire week, has on the students is what makes it so enjoyable for me,” Bower said. “I look forward to exposing students to this every year.”
Penn College was one of 54 schools to take part in the four-day competition.
Top-placing students were:
Thirteen Pennsylvania College of Technology landscape/plant production technology students recently attended the 50th annual National College Landscape Competition at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan. They were accompanied by Carl J. Bower Jr., assistant professor of horticulture, far left; Sophia G. Wiest, residence life coordinator and a graduate of the program, standing second from left; and Wyatt C. Forest, horticulture laboratory assistant, second from right.
First-year student Katie E. Reiff, of York, described her attendance at NCLC as an opportunity to network with important individuals in the industry and create connections with students from all over the country.
“The week was filled with education and interactions that will stick with me for a lifetime,” she said. “I got closer to my classmates, got acquainted with large businesses in the industry and learned something new every day of the trip. The competitions fostered school spirit, and I enjoyed getting to be a part of a team.”
Scholarships, offered through supporting donors of the NALP Foundation, are granted to students enrolled in landscape contracting or horticulture programs at two- and four-year post-secondary schools. Interested students must craft a scholarship application that includes clear goals and career objectives; demonstrates participation at NCLC and other professional conferences or events competitions, achievements and skills learned or gained; lists activities and volunteerism; and details leadership roles and work experience.
“The scholarship that I achieved not only supported my education but also allowed me to connect and interact with other industry professionals,” Rice said. “It was so encouraging to see experienced leaders invest in the next generation, and it inspired me to do the same when I have the opportunity.”
“I truly appreciate not only the financial support that the foundation gives to the students, but at events like this, where they put the students in positions to network with leaders, it is truly priceless,” Bower said.
Heckman, a second-year student, took advantage of the many opportunities for growth presented during the conference.
“NCLC was a trip that grew my future,” he said. “The job fair that they had was the biggest I have seen for landscaping. I had in-depth conversations with industry leaders that started from where I am now. If you take advantage of these resources and ask them questions, you can learn so much from them. I gained five connections with different owners that I now have personal contacts with. The competitions let you show your skills and represent your school.”
To learn more about Penn College’s landscape/plant production technology, reach out to the School of Engineering Technologies at 570-327-4520.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
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