Karla Velasco
Director of Recruiting
Email: karlaavelasco@gmail.com
Welcome!
Hi! Thank you for your interest in the AOS Judging Program in the Pacific South Region! Send me an e-mail at karlaavelasco@gmail.com and tell us a little about yourself. We are here to help and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you and meeting you soon!
Peter T. Lin
Student Training Coordinator
Here to Help!
Once you join the program, I am here to help you train to become an Accredited Judge! Because orchids are the largest plant family in the botanical kingdom, there is so much to learn. Join us as we explore the diversity behind this amazing group!
What does it take to join the judging program?
After you contact us, we will invite you to attend one or more of our
judgings, and you can start to learn about the judging process. This will give you a chance to get to know us as we get to know you.
If you decide to proceed with the program, you will be asked to:
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Complete an application to join our judging center.
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Pass a brief test to establish that you are not color blind (we can administer the test during any of our in-person events)
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Study 155 orchid species and their photos to pass a test on correctly identifying these and spelling their names. (Click here to access the PDF)
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Subscribe to the AOS Membership which includes the Magazine and Orchid Pro Awards Database
Then at the next Pacific South Judging Center and the AOS Board of Directors will vote to confirm your admission as a student to the AOS judging program. These confirmations happen twice a year at the Center Business Meeting and Member's Meeting. Until that happens, you can continue to participate in our judgings, attend our meetings, practice completing homework assignments and attend our study group.
We are here to support you in your learning process, your progress through the judging program, and your passion with orchids! Come join us! Contact Karla Velasco (karlaavelasco@gmail.com) to begin.
What happens once you are admitted to the program?
You will be a Student Judge for the first three to five years in the program. Upon successful completion of this portion, you will advance to Associate Judge for the next three to five years. After successfully completing the Associate Judge portion, you will advance to Accredited Judge status.
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As a student and associate, you will be part of our judging team and you will participate in every aspect of judging. As a student, your scoring of plants for awards will just be for practice, but as an associate, your scores will count.
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You will participate in an intense learning program which includes homework assignments, participation in our study group, and instruction at the judging table. You will have an assigned mentor to help you navigate the process. You will work hard, but we want to you have a lot of fun too!
The Journey to become A Judge
Current Student Judges in the AOS Pacific South Judging Center (January 2023)
Program Introduction & Clerking
Student Judge
(Minimum 3 Years)
Associate Judge
(Minimum 3 Years)
Accredited Judge
(Upon promotion, your appointment as Accredited Judge is indefinite)
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Contact Us
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Attend one of our judging sessions
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Complete an application to join our judging center
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Pass a brief color blindness test
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Study and pass the species test
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Receive confirmation of acceptance by AOS
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Subscribe to AOS Membership
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Complete homework which is assigned approximately 6 times a year
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Attend 8 judgings a year
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Attend 2 business meetings a year
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Earn 12 hours of education credits through external programs
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Subscribe to AOS Membership
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Complete homework which is assigned approximately 6 times a year
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Attend 8 judgings a year
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Attend 2 business meetings a year
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Earn 12 hours of education credits through external programs
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Subscribe to AOS Membership
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Attend 8 judgings a year
-
Attend 2 business meetings a year
-
Earn 12 hours of education credits through external programs
-
Subscribe to AOS Membership