Alumni Spotlight: Annabelle Corrao Teaches Kids with Flower Arranging
One of the most rewarding parts of teaching floral design is watching our students take what they’ve learned and use it to bring beauty, creativity, and confidence into the world.
Today, we’re thrilled to spotlight Cass School of Floral Design alum Annabelle Corrao, a 2025 graduate of our Professional Florist Training Program, and her recent experience teaching flower arranging to elementary school students.
Annabelle recently led a hands-on floral design experience for 155 students, spanning pre-K through 2nd grade, at a local elementary school. To prepare, she carefully prepped and pre-cut over 700 flowers, ensuring every child had the opportunity to create their own arrangement.
“When stepping in the classroom, I presented by asking them if they knew what a florist was and if they had ever given flowers to someone they love,” Annabelle shared.
From that simple, thoughtful opening, Annabelle guided the students through the fundamentals of floristry—introducing them to the role of a florist, the basics of flower care, and even a mini science lesson on how flowers grow and stay hydrated.
After a short demonstration on arranging flowers in a vase, Annabelle encouraged creativity rather than perfection.
“I told the students to use my example for inspiration and encouraged them to be creative with their own arrangement.”
The result? A classroom full of engaged, curious, and excited young designers. Students eagerly asked questions and proudly created mini arrangements to share with their families, friends, or even as a centerpiece for their Thanksgiving tables.
This experience beautifully reflects what we strive to instill at Cass: technical skill, confidence, and the ability to share floral design as a meaningful, human experience.
Annabelle’s journey—from student to educator—shows how floristry can extend far beyond events and studios, becoming a tool for connection, learning, and joy.
Ready to Start Your Own Floral Journey?
If Annabelle’s story inspires you, we invite you to explore our Professional Florist Training Program. This comprehensive program is designed for aspiring and early-career florists who want to build strong foundations, real-world skills, and the confidence to create their own opportunities—whether that’s teaching, freelancing, or launching a floral business.