JJC Horticulture Students Sweep Collegiate Division at Great Lakes Floral and Event Expo

Four Joliet Junior College (JJC) horticulture students competed at the 2026 Great Lakes Floral Event and Expo (GLFEE) competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and placed in the top three in their respective categories.

JJC swept the collegiate/professional novice division. Christy Torres won first place, Selena Caldera placed second and Vivienne Teodoro came in third.

They were able to practice their skills and finalize their designs in class before the competition, which clearly translated well.

"They illustrated rhythm clearly, used good mechanics and had clean designs." said JJC horticulture instructor Lisa Perkins. "The students showed a clear understanding of what was required."

Keith Sprewer, who competed last year, participated in the professional division. For the first three professional division themes, Sprewer finished in second place. In the final theme, Sprewer placed third.

"He is very competitive, skilled and creative," Perkins said. "He also practices and experiments with different ideas constantly. I think these qualities, along with classes from JJC and floral workshops attended at GLFEE, have contributed a great deal."

In recent years, thanks to support from the American Floral Endowment, JJC has been able to send students to GLFEE to network, volunteer behind-the-scenes, learn from industry professionals, participate in hands-on experiences and compete. With a total of seven top-three placements, 2026 has been the most successful year yet for JJC's horticulture program competitors.

"It is wonderful to see skills and creativity change over time as they gain more experience and knowledge," Perkins said. "I also like to see how, when attending GLFEE, they discover possibilities that they never knew or thought existed in the floral industry."

The expo has also encouraged the students to find and take the next steps in their careers.

"The Great Lakes Floral and Event Expo was such an incredible opportunity to increase my knowledge and passion for horticulture and the floral industry," Caldera said. "I was able to experience new and innovative floral design techniques, observe industry trends and learn from many different professionals, such as Hitomi Gilliam, who have experience and much passion for the art of floral design. Seeing so many people express their skill and creativity throughout the expo filled me with excitement and has encouraged me to potentially become a certified florist."

Sprewer added that participating in the expo has "prepared (him) to take and successfully pass the professional floral design evaluation." He will be inducted this summer.