By MARY LYNNE O'NEAL

Staff Writer

Tech's Horticulture Society hosted this year's Poinsettia Auction and Show at the Lomax Hall Conservatory, located on Tech's South Campus, Dec. 1, and raised over $2,000.

The money is for next year's recipients of agricultural sciences scholarships.

Dr. Gary Kennedy, auctioneer for the night, said the show and auction were a success.

"We've had a tremendous response from the community, who have been overwhelmingly supportive," said Kennedy, also head of the department of agriculture sciences and an associate professor of agricultural sciences. "It's been a madhouse here in Lomax Hall, but everything's worked out really great."

The auction and show opened the annual sale period, held Dec. 2-4.

Kennedy said Tech has grown poinsettias since 1976, but the show has only been held for the last 10 or 12 years.

Funds from the auction are combined with those from the department's annual cattle auction and are used for scholarships for students majoring in animal or plant science, agricultural business and agricultural education.

Sue Jenkins, greenhouse manager, said this is the third year to hold the Poinsettia Auction, which includes poinsettias, chrysanthemums and cacti.

"There are 30 lots, selected from the best of the best of all of the plants," Jenkins said.

"It takes about three days to set up everything and to get the plants ready."

It is also the first year to sell and auction off different colors and styles of poinsettias. Cindy Richard, horticulture attendant, said the technique to grow this particular style of poinsettias comes from Mexico.

"We've got some that are striped, spotted, orange and pink," Richard said.

"They are really interesting and very bright and bold. Most people don't realize how much of a variety there is when it comes to poinsettias."

This year's auction was the first Richard attended, and she said it is something not to be missed.

"The conservatory was decorated very beautifully, with Christmas lights sprinkled everywhere among the plants," she said. "The lights were dimmed, and it was very romantic."

Richard said many people may not have known before, but Kennedy is a professional auctioneer, and he kept the audience enthusiastic and excited about raising money for a good cause.

Robin White, a senior plant science and an agricultural business double major, has attended the auction and show every year since she has attended Tech.

"There was not as big of a crowd turnout this year, but it is still a very successful auction and show," White said.

"It was very colorful atmosphere, and you could tell that people enjoyed themselves."

Not only are the sales from the auction and show a donation to the scholarship fund, but they are also included in tax write-offs.