Two faculty members from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) were recognized as 2024 Volunteers of the Year by the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS).
Their collective efforts brought the beauty and innovation of Hawaiʻi’s horticulture to an international audience at the 2024 ASHS Annual Conference.
Teresita Amore
CTAHR Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences Associate Researcher Teresita Amore’s talent and dedication were displayed in the floral arrangements she curated for the event. Amore, who is also a CTAHR alumni, worked behind the scenes, transforming the stage and social spaces with local flowers and foliage. Organizers say her attention to detail and ability to bring the beauty of nature into every corner elevated the experience for attendees.
Hannah Lutgen
CTAHR Junior Extension Agent Hannah Lutgen provided floral arrangements at the conference by bringing a suitcase filled with flowers from Maui. Lutgen’s contribution, paired with Amore’s creativity, helped bring a vibrant touch to the event.
“Russell Galanti, Orville Baldos and Tessie did an excellent job and designed the stage arrangements,” said Lutgen. “It was a team effort and many thanks to Tessie for her outstanding leadership.”
