Victoria East and West High Schools are blooming with innovation as they introduce floral subscription services designed to enhance student learning in Advanced Floral Design courses. These student-led initiatives not only offer stunning, handcrafted arrangements but also provide practical, hands-on business experience, equipping students with skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
At Victoria East High School, students launched the Titan Bloom Box, a monthly floral subscription service offering unique, seasonal arrangements. Since its debut this school year, students have created everything from Homecoming mums and wedding centerpieces to pumpkin arrangements for October. Upcoming designs include whimsical Grinch arrangements for December. The Titan Bloom Box also includes a Valentine's Day fundraiser featuring single-stem roses, bud vase arrangements, and candy grams. The program’s goal is to provide Advanced Floral Design students with real-world experience in operating a small business, including marketing, budgeting, and the horticultural care of flowers.
“This is our first year having a flower of the month club here at East,” said Clara Henke, VEHS Ag Science Teacher. “The students planned and prepared every aspect of the subscription to resemble a small floral shop. They’ve watched their business grow, gaining invaluable skills and confidence that will last a lifetime.”
Looking ahead, Titan Bloom Box aims to expand its reach to include community members and businesses, offering services such as balloon arches for events and custom centerpieces for parties.
Meanwhile, Victoria West High School offers two floral programs: the Flower of the Month subscription for teachers and staff and the newly introduced Warrior Blooms program. Launched in Fall 2022, Flower of the Month allows school staff to enjoy eight seasonal floral arrangements throughout the school year, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of the students.
“Teachers play such an integral role in our school community, and we wanted to give them something special,” said Jody Summers, VWHS Floral Instructor. “This program not only brings beauty to our school but also allows students to develop their creativity and expertise.”
The Warrior Blooms subscription provides students and their families with custom-designed arrangements created by the floral design class. This initiative emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and professionalism, giving students a chance to see their work appreciated in real time.
“With Warrior Blooms, students manage projects from start to finish, gaining real-world experience that enhances their skills and confidence,” said Amber Novosad, West Floral Instructor. “It’s a wonderful way for students to contribute to the community while applying what they’ve learned.”
Both high schools’ floral programs are rooted in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum, which prepares students for careers in floristry, event planning, and beyond. Students learn essential skills, including design principles, flower handling, and business management, with opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications.
Subscriptions for both programs open at the beginning of each semester. For more information about the Titan Bloom Box, contact Clara Henke at clara.henke@visd.net. For inquiries about Warrior Blooms or Flower of the Month, contact Amber Novosad at amber.novosad@visd.net.
These innovative programs not only foster creativity and entrepreneurship but also beautify our community one arrangement at a time, proving that floral design is about more than flowers—it's about cultivating skills for a lifetime.