Other states took notice last fall at the National Junior Horticulture Association convention in St. Louis as North Carolina youths took top honors in a number of competitions.

The state’s delegation to the national competition won the State Sweepstakes for competing in the most categories of any state.

Among the team honors were the following:

The New Hanover County horticulture judging team, representing North Carolina, took second place in the Open Division of the Horticulture Contest for ages 15-18. Team members are Rob Shelton and Jessica Millis, both of Leland, and Emily Thomas of Surf City.

A three-member New Hanover team, including Shelton, Veronica Brumbaugh and Sarah Brumbaugh of Wilmington, tied for first place in the Horticultural Connections competition, a contest similar to the game show “Jeopardy.”

Camden County’s four-member team won fourth place, out of seven teams, in the 4-H Division of the Horticulture Contest. Team members are Kestral Lannon and Brandon Hoffman of Camden, Daniel Manzer of Winfall and Michael Turner of Elizabeth City.

Wake County youths, ages 8 to 14, who were too young to attend the national competition, took 17 awards in the Young America Project competition.

“Our volunteers, parents and agents work hard all year to develop the youth in the horticulture program,” said Larry Bass, retired youth horticulture specialist. “It shows when we go to national competition. It’s a real group effort.”

NJHA was founded in 1934 as the world’s first organization dedicated solely to youth and horticulture. NJHA programs are designed to help young people obtain basic horticulture knowledge and develop skills in the horticulture arts and sciences. The 2003 national convention will be held in Raleigh, Nov. 7-10.

—Natalie Hampton