Katilyn Maruszewski poses with her chapter, district and section FFA jackets.
Kaitlyn Maruszewski, a senior at Tri-Central High School in Indiana, is constantly seeking opportunities for growth and leadership — not only within the National FFA Organization but also across all aspects of her educational and professional journeys.
Digging Into Passions
As the Indiana FFA Section II director and District V vice president, Maruszewski developed leadership skills beyond the classroom. Outside of FFA, she is actively involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including cheerleading, ecology club, the National Honor Society and student council. Maruszewski also pursues her passion for the arts through community theater.
When she’s not serving her local community or participating in her many activities, Maruszewski enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors, spending time with friends and nurturing her growing collection of houseplants.
Maruszewski placed first in Indiana with her nursery operations Supervised Agricultural Experience.
Rooted in FFA and Agricultural Experience
Throughout her journey in the National FFA blue jacket, Maruszewski has participated in various events, such as the horticulture career development event (CDE), parliamentary procedure/chapter meeting leadership development event (LDE), prepared public speaking LDE and the Indiana FFA Demonstrations LDE. Her love for agriculture is further demonstrated by her nine years as a member of Tipton County 4-H.
Maruszewski (left) and her partner are recognized for their 4-H demonstration at the Indiana State Fair.
Sowing the Seeds of a Passion for Horticulture
During her freshman year of high school, Maruszewski’s love for horticulture began to take root when she took a principles of agriculture class.
“My advisor loved plants, and we did a unit about propagation methods in that class,” she says. “I soon fell in love with plant science, and my business became the perfect avenue for me to share that passion!”
This fascination quickly evolved into a business idea: ByKaitlynDesigns.
Sprouting Success
Founded and owned by Maruszewski, ByKaitlynDesigns began as a small online shop on Etsy where she sold propagated houseplants. Over time, however, the business expanded to include a variety of products and services, such as plant care consultations, instructional classes on plant propagation and house calls to help clients with their plants.
As the business grew, Maruszewski secured a permanent vendor space at The Plum House, My Makers’ Market in Pendleton, Ind., allowing her to engage with customers in person. She also participates regularly in craft shows and farmer’s markets, where her booth has become a popular destination for plant enthusiasts. Additionally, Maruszewski has formed partnerships with local businesses, offering classes and further expanding her reach within the community.
The Strong Roots of Community
Throughout her journey, Maruszewski has received unwavering support from her FFA advisors, community members and her mom, who she credits as an instant source of encouragement and advice. “She’s my biggest cheerleader and often helps me formulate new ideas and products,” Maruszewski adds.
This Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) and the support system it provided have guided Maruszewski on various journeys within FFA and her education. “Without my business, I would have never unleashed the huge love I have for plant systems and horticulture,” she says.
In addition to FFA, Maruszewski was involved in 4-H in her Indiana community.
A Field of Blooming Opportunities
Maruszewski’s entrepreneurial ventures have grown into something far greater than just a business. As she continues through her senior year of high school, she is excited to keep branching out and growing in all areas of life. She was recently awarded the Lilly Endowment Scholarship of Tipton County, a testament to her academic achievements and extracurricular involvement.
Maruszewski plans to attend Purdue University, where she will major in horticulture with a focus in plant science. She also looks forward to diving deeper into her studies and eventually earning master’s and doctoral degrees.
After completing her education, Maruszewski hopes to thrive in the field of horticultural plant genetic research and dreams of cultivating a greenhouse at her own home, where she can continue to nurture her lifelong love of plants.
As Maruszewski continues to grow within the industry, her story stands as a testament to the power of agricultural education and inspires others to follow their dreams.
