In one of the Agriculture Science classrooms at Frenship High School, vibrant blossoms replace paper tests on desks as students work to craft stunning floral arrangements. Over 200 Frenship students across ten classes are cultivating their skills in floral design, with some taking their passion a step further in the Advanced Floral Design class. 

Floral Design is one of the most popular courses offered within the CTE program at Frenship. Career and Technical Education or CTE includes training that prepares students for high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand jobs. CTE programs provide students with academic knowledge, technical skills, and work-based learning experiences needed to succeed in the workplace. Frenship ISD currently offers more than 90 CTE courses and offers 26 state-aligned programs of study.   

Students in the Floral Design course have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of the field, covering topics such as the history of floral design, principles and elements of design, and various types of floral arrangements. They gain hands-on experience working with different flowers and foliage while learning to create arrangements in round, asymmetrical, and triangular styles.  

Additionally, students explore special occasion designs, including holiday arrangements, homecoming mums and garters, and even balloon arch assembly. The skills and knowledge acquired in this course provide valuable experience that can be applied to future careers in the floriculture industry. 

Kelsea Jones, one of the floral design teachers, explained that the program has partnered with the United Supermarkets floral department to enrich the students learning. Getting hands-on instruction from industry professionals ensures the students are getting the best CTE education available.  

These lessons include creating dozen-rose arrangements, hand-tied bouquets, balloon arches, boutonnieres, and corsages. In addition to sharing their expertise, these professionals offer valuable industry insights and guidance on career opportunities within their company. 

Natalie Hill, a junior at Frenship High School enrolled in Advanced Floral Design, chose the course as a creative outlet and an opportunity to gain real-world experience. Hill decided to capitalize on her course experience and is now working in the floral department at United Supermarkets, where she has the chance to design her own arrangements. 

Jones emphasized the importance of these hands-on experiences, explaining that they not only teach students technical skills but also prepare them for real-world applications. 

“By mastering essential skills such as design techniques, concealing mechanics, and understanding floral compatibility, students are well-equipped to apply their knowledge in the floral industry and create their own unique designs.” 

Over the past few years, the floral design program has blossomed into a fully functioning business venture providing hands-on experience in both artistry and entrepreneurship.  Students create stunning arrangements for a variety of local businesses, forming relationships with organizations such as UMC, United Way, and X-Fab Industries. 

Jones works closely with each company to understand their vision for the event, curating design inspiration images and collaborating with students to bring the arrangements to life. The Advanced Floral Design students play an active role in selecting the final design, and once the flowers are ordered, they take charge of creating all the arrangements. This hands-on, real-world experience helps students refine their skills and gain valuable insight into designing professionally. 

“These experiences provide them with a taste of working under pressure and designing for events, helping them develop essential skills for the industry,” said Jones. “Additionally, they allow students to explore their passion for floral design and determine whether they want to pursue a career in the field after completing the course.” 

Additionally, at the beginning of each school year signups for the Flower of the Month Club open for Frenship staff. This club provides monthly themed arrangements that are designed and arranged by students in the Advanced Floral Design class.  

When Jones first joined the Frenship family and took over the floral design program, she wanted to offer the best learning experience for her students. Through community networking and a hunger to learn alongside her students, Jones has achieved this goal while fostering a creative environment.  

Hill shared that her favorite part of taking Floral Design is the project-based learning and hands-on experience of working with real flowers.  

"I like the unique opportunities this class offers, which are not typically found in other classrooms,” said Hill. “I love the creative freedom it provides, allowing me to express myself through floral design.”  

The floral industry can be fast-paced, often requiring designs to be completed under tight deadlines. The structured class time helps students develop efficiency and time management skills, better preparing them for the demands of the industry. 

As Frenship ISD continues to grow the next generation of florists, the Floral Design program provides students with a rich, hands-on learning experience that prepares them for success in the fast-paced floral industry. These budding florists are ready to bloom in the professional world, creating beautiful arrangements and paving the way for a flourishing future in floriculture. This program exemplifies the power of CTE in providing students with the tools, skills, and opportunities to succeed in high-demand careers and contribute to the workforce.