Gateway Technical College student Heather Rupp (Caledonia) took first place in the professionals division of the floral centerpiece design challenge at the annual winter wedding design competition hosted by United Wholesale Flowers in mid-September in San Jose, Calif.

Design colors were teal and copper with metallic accents.

Rupp was placed into the professionals division at the last moment, competing against professionals and floral shop owners. Just this spring, Rupp earned two Gateway Horticulture program degrees and is a member of the college’s Student chapter-American Institute of Floral Designers. She is currently enrolled in another Gateway program.