By CYNTHIA HILL

Staff Writer

Alumni and a few not-so-local folks got into the Christmas spirit a little early this year, vying for the cream of the crop of Tech's poinsettia collection at the Horticulture Society's Second Poinsettia Auction.

Dr. Gary Kennedy, an associate professor of agricultural sciences, acted as auctioneer for the evening's event.

Over $2,100 was raised, which will be added to the departmental scholarship fund.

Dr. Peter Gallagher, a professor of agricultural sciences and environmental science, said he was pleased with the tremendous participation in this year's event.

"Students, staff and faculty work really hard to make this show a success, and our payback is when we see people get excited about wanting to own these poinsettias," Gallagher said.

Plant fanciers came from Homer, Bossier City and Choudrant to have an opportunity to make their way through Lomax Hall's horticulture conservatory, which was packed with nearly 2,500 poinsettias in over 30 varieties.

Mr. and Mrs. Gene LaRue, Tech alumni, traveled from West Monroe, hoping they might get a chance to be one of the first buyers.

"We want to get the best, and we know they will be gone quick," Mrs. LaRue said.

"I like to see the newest kind and get them to give my friends."

That sentiment was echoed throughout the evening as buyers attempted to outbid one another for the chance to take home one of the poinsettias.

Among the plants being bid on were a prized specimen of Christmas cactus.

There was also a four-foot-tall red, pink or white poinsettia tree and the new wine-colored Chianti poinsettia.

Dr. Kennedy explained to the nearly 100 people crowding around the plants just how much time and effort go into the production of the poinsettias.

"The work in the greenhouse starts in March.

"We order cuttings from California, where the Paul Ecke Ranch owns the patent on 75 or 80 percent of all poinsettias grown in North America," Kennedy said.

Kennedy thanked the many people involved who make the poinsettia auction and sale successful.

He also gave credit to Sue Jennings, greenhouse lab supervisor and instructor, as well as Ann Norris, horticultural attendant, who he said, "work tirelessly in our greenhouses."

Money raised at the auction benefits the agricultural science's departmental scholarship.

The scholarship also receives funds from cattle sales and endowments.

Kennedy said low interest rate returns have had an effect on available financial assistance.

Last year's scholarship recipient, Robin White, a junior plant science major, said she appreciated the opportunities the extra funds gave her.

"Having that scholarship allowed me to concentrate on my studies without having to work so much outside of campus," White said.

"I'm studying landscape and design, so I appreciate all the effort the professors put into this auction and show," she said.

The remaining plants went on sale at Tech Farm Sales Room the following morning.

Alumnus David Caldwell planned on making the trip back to Ruston from West Monroe to ensure they got to choose from the best plants.

Caldwell said, "We know they sell those plants quick, especially the new varieties."