Bill Blythe Educational Endowment Scholarship Contest
Sponsored by Teleflora and ISFA

The contest will be held on Friday, March 7, 2008 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
General Rules:
  1. The contest is open to any ISFA Active Member in good standing and their full time employees, (minimum of 30 hours per week), regardless of age. Employers, employees, co-workers or family members of the scholarship committee are ineligible to compete.
  2. The contestants will be interviewed individually by the judges.
  3. Each contestant must compile a letter of intent to include personal background, education, work experience, interests in the floral industry, and have one TYPED letter of recommendation from their employer or an ISFA Active Member in good standing. Shop owners entering the contest must submit a TYPED letter of recommendation from another ISFA Active Member in good standing.
  4. Each contestant will be required to make two designs: bridal bouquet and centerpiece. The completed designs will be grouped by category by the scholarship committee for judging.
  5. Flowers and materials, including containers and foam for all designs will be furnished. Each designer need not use all flowers assigned, but CANNOT trade flowers or materials with other designers or give flowers or materials to another designer. This will result in the contestant being disqualified.
  6. All contestants are asked to report to the scholarship chairman 30 minutes prior to the start of the contest for briefing. Contestants will receive a sealed envelope containing two numbers selected at random, one number for each completed design. A master sheet containing each contestant's name and selected numbers will be retained by the chairman. No other person will have access to this document.
  7. All contestants must bring tools necessary to only include scissors, knife and wire cutters.
  8. Time allowed to complete the two designs will be 1 hour. Designers will work alone and will be allowed no assistance, except that furnished by the committee. There will be no talking among the contestants.
  9. Judging will consist of three professional florists designated by the Executive Director. Judging will be immediately following the contest. The judges will have access to the score sheets only. Each design will be judged on its individual merit. Upon completion of judging, each judge will place his/her notes in an envelope and give to the scholarship chairman. The decision of the judges is final and will be above reproach.

  1. A total point system will be used with a possible 100 points per judge, per contestant. Interview-30 points, letter of intent-30 points and design-40 points (20 points per design: Originality-5 points, physical and visual balance-5 points, mechanics and workmanship-5 points and overall design-5 points). The contestant with the highest number of points will be declared the winner and receive the scholarship, and a plaque. The contestant with the second highest number of points will be selected the first alternate and receive a plaque and the contestant with the third highest number of points will be selected the second alternate and receive a plaque.
  2. Two or more members of the scholarship committee will tabulate the results of the judges score. The results will be retained in confidence by the committee until the awards presentation.
  3. The first place winner will receive a scholarship covering tuition to the Teleflora Educational Center and $500.00 to help cover travel expenses, lodging and meals. Receipts must be given to the ISFA treasurer upon completion of the schooling. The winner MUST remain employed by a ISFA Active Member in good standing until completion of the schooling or the scholarship will be forfeited. If for any reason the winner cannot attend school, the first alternate will be awarded the scholarship. If the winner and first alternate cannot attend school, the scholarship will be awarded to the second alternate. The scholarship must be used within 12 months of the contest or be forfeited.
  4. Application, letter of intent and reference letter MUST BE POSTMARKED BY February 22, 2008, or the contestant will not be eligible to enter the contest. Each contestant will be notified that their application has been received by the Executive Director.




Application: 2008 Bill Blythe Educational Endowment Scholarship Contest

Name of Contestant: _______________________________________________________

Shop Name: ______________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________ State: _____ Zip: _______________

Phone: __________________________________________________

Return To: Jerry C. Hankins, AIFD, TCF, 1442 Gallatin Road North, Madison, TN 37115
800-416-4732