Sophomore Jamie Ferkel and Science teacher Megan Mosher enrolled in the Power of Plants contest sponsered by Monsanto and the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Participants had to create a visual with facts and benefits of the plant they chose. Mosher found out about the contest in a newsletter from the Botanical Gardens.

“The newsletter peaked my interest, and I knew immediately who would be perfect,” Mosher said. “I chose Jamie because she is known for going above and beyond.”

Ferkel created a three-dimensional pitcher plant out of paper mache and chicken wire. She glued facts about the plant to the model. Her finished model exceeded the size that was stated in the rules – it could barely fit through a door.

“I wanted to do something exotic, big and bold,” Ferkel said.

The projects are being judged within the next few weeks by professors from Washington University, Mizzou, Monsanto and the Botanical Gardens; however, the results will not be announced until mid April. After the judging is over, Ferkel and Mosher will receive an invitation stating if the plant placed. If the plant places, Jamie will receive $200 and FHN will receive $500. Ferkel and Mosher will also be invited to a banquet where winners will be honored.

“Jamie superseded everyone else in creativity and workmanship,” Mosher said.

After seeing Ferkel’s submission to the contest, art teachers Zac Smithey and Mike Leistner agreed to put her design on display in the art hallway after the results are announced.

“We wanted to place the plant in the display case because it’ssuper awesome,” Smithey said.

Whether the plant places in the competition or not, Mosher believes that Ferkel will be able to pull a lot from the experience.

“I think it is a valuable experience,” Mosher said, “It showed her how you have to work on an attentive timeline, how you have to present yourself, the publicity and with experience comes comfort and confidence, and you have to be open.”

Taylor Bartram