Members of the advanced floral design class at Pacheco High School are preparing for another exciting year with their popular floral subscription program. This initiative, which has been running for four years, allows the community to experience the creativity and skill of the students in a unique and meaningful way.
Led by agriculture teacher Maria Cozens, the program is designed not only to showcase the students’ work but also to prepare them for future careers in the floral industry.
The floral subscription program was inspired by a desire to increase awareness of the floral design program within the Los Banos Unified School District and the broader community. By offering subscription-based floral arrangements, the students get hands-on experience that simulates the operations of a professional floral shop.
This approach not only enhances their skills but also prepares them for the floriculture assessment at the end of the school year. This state assessment, verified by the California State Floral Association, is a key step for students aspiring to enter the floral industry.
This year’s floral subscription includes seven different arrangements created by the students. Subscribers can choose between two options. For $175, arrangements will be delivered directly to the main office of any Los Banos Unified School District site. Alternatively, for $150, subscribers can pick up their arrangements from the Pacheco High School front office.
Pacheco High School employees also have the convenience of having the arrangements delivered personally to them. Additional orders can be picked up directly from the agriculture floral classroom.
The floral subscription program has seen steady growth since its inception. Each year, more district staff and community members have subscribed, and floral sales have increased. However, Cozens believes there is still room for growth. She hopes that as more people become aware of the program and see the quality of the students’ work, they will consider ordering flowers from Pacheco High School for their events.
Cozens mentioned that the advanced floral design class has been involved in various events, including weddings, quinceañeras, community gatherings, birthdays, baby showers and dinner events. These opportunities allow students to apply their skills in real-world settings, further preparing them for future careers in the floral industry.
Despite its success, the program currently limits subscriptions to district staff only. This decision was made to manage the workload as the program continues to grow. However, Cozens and her students hope to expand the program in the future, allowing more community members to participate and enjoy the beautiful floral arrangements.
The floral subscription program at Pacheco High School is a testament to the dedication and talent of the students and their teacher. By combining education with real-world experience, the program not only benefits the students but also enriches the community.
Sales for this year’s subscription will run until Sept. 13. For more information on the program, call Pacheco High at (209) 827-4506.
