Earlier this fall, AFE Program Manager Candice Musgrove and members of the Vic and Margaret Ball Committee visited the Benz School of Floral Design at Texas A&M University, one of the many programs supported through AFE’s James and Helen Phillip Floral Design Grant. The visit offered a firsthand look at how AFE’s educational funding is helping students strengthen their skills, pursue their passions and build meaningful futures in the floral industry.

Founded by M. Buddy Benz, the school is rooted in a legacy of excellence in floral design education. Its curriculum emphasizes both artistry and business fundamentals, teaching students the principles of design along with essential skills in retail management, event coordination and entrepreneurship. Under the leadership of Wendy Osburn, a floral educator with more than 30 years of teaching experience, the program continues to inspire students to pair creativity with professionalism.

“Every student brings their own story and reason for pursuing floral design,” Osburn said. “Our goal is to give them the tools, knowledge and confidence to turn that passion into a lifelong career.”

The AFE team met several students who directly benefit from the James and Helen Phillip Scholarship Grant, including Mackenzie Ceballos, Emileigh Rodabaugh and Ashley Taylor — all pursuing degrees in horticulture and certifications in floral design. Their enthusiasm for the craft and their commitment to advancing the industry were evident throughout the visit.

For Mackenzie, floral design began as a creative outlet in high school and has since become a professional pursuit. Emileigh, an active member of the Student American Institute of Floral Designers, said the scholarship helped her gain hands-on experience through competitions and research. Ashley, now serving as SAIFD’s outreach officer, is already using her skills to bring floral artistry to her community.

Their stories highlight how AFE’s educational grants are shaping the next generation of floral leaders by making education more accessible, nurturing talent and ensuring students have opportunities to thrive in a growing and evolving field.

This year, Mackenzie, Emileigh and Ashley also joined AFE’s Young Professionals Council, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025. Established in 2015, the council provides free opportunities for young industry members to connect, grow and get involved through leadership, networking and volunteer activities. Members participate in meetings, webinars and events that promote collaboration and career development across the floral and horticultural industries.

Visits like this underscore AFE’s mission to invest in education, research and development across all segments of the floral industry. By supporting institutions such as the Benz School of Floral Design, AFE helps ensure the art, science and business of flowers continue to flourish — one student at a time.

The James and Helen Phillip Floral Design Grant was established in 2008 by Lee Phillip Bell to honor her parents and support aspiring floral designers. Through a $500,000 endowment, the fund provides annual block grants to institutions with established floral design programs, primarily in the Great Lakes region but also to schools like Texas A&M that demonstrate exceptional commitment to floral education. The grants provide tuition assistance and help programs expand their reach to more students across the country.