Horticulture student team finished 6th in national landscape competition
Students from Cincinnati State’s degree programs in Landscape Horticulture, Sustainable Horticulture, and Turfgrass Management traveled to Colorado State University in March 2025 for the annual National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC), and earned 6th place overall out of 54 teams from colleges and universities throughout the U.S.
This was the fourth time in recent years for a Cincinnati State top ten finish in the overall standings. The College’s NCLC team was 4th in the nation in 2023, 5th in 2022, and 4th in 2019. (Competitions were not held in 2020 and 2021.) In 2024 the team placed just outside the top ten, finishing in 12th place, but second highest among the community college teams at NCLC.
Achievements for the 22-member team this year included top ten finishes in 13 of 30 events, including 1st place in Arboriculture Techniques and 2nd place in Hardscape Installation and Robotics and Technology.
The Arboriculture Techniques event required demonstration of skills need to safely climb trees and throw the lines needed for climbing. Nat Kutcher landed four of five throws, two of which were to the highest target, and teammate Alexsis Perrmann completed the subsequent climb and tasks with time to spare, earning an 8-point win over Colorado State.
Alexsis Perrmann also won the First Place Superstar for 2025 among all student competitors– the first time a Cincinnati State student has won this individual recognition. To be considered for individual honors and win a scholarship award, Alexsis had to compete in five events.
Nat Kutcher also earned 2nd place in the Robotics and Technology event, finishing in the top 3 for the third year in a row.
In the Hardscape Installation event, the team of Jack Parlin and Chris Populus turned hours of practice in the Greenhouse courtyard into a 2nd place finish. They successfully completed installation of a small patio and firepit, demonstrating impeccable hardscaping skills as well as excellent safety and communication practices, which are key to success in the event.
Five students earned more than one top ten finish:
- Amanda Nedelec placed 6th in Plant Problem Diagnosis and 8th in Landscape Lighting.
- In addition to 2nd place in Hardscape Installation, Chris Populus placed 5th in Truck and Trailer Operation, with partner Shannon Maloney.
- In addition to placing first in Arboriculture Techniques, Alexsis Perrmann earned 7th place in Sales Presentation.
- Becky Richardson placed 8th in Woody and Ornamental Plant Identification and 7th in Landscape Plant Installation, with teammates Reid Elliott and Miriam Sutch.
- Miriam Sutch also placed 7th in Annual and Perennial Identification.
Other Cincinnati State winners included:
- Michele Bush and Chris Gail placed 6th in Employee Development.
- Tyler Cebulskie placed 7th in Irrigation Design.
- Nolan Switzer place 9th in Small Engine Repair.
While the Horticulture team was in Colorado they visited the Denver Botanic Gardens, where they were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour by Phil Douglas, Cincinnati State class of 2011, who is the Director of Horticulture and Center for Global Initiatives at the Botanic Gardens. The team also took a brief trip to Rocky Mountain National Park before settling in for several days of learning, networking, and competing.
Horticulture faculty members and students worked with the Cincinnati State Foundation to raise funds for the trip.
The next NCLC will be in March 2026 at Michigan State University.
(Reporting & photos provided by Maureen Comella)
