FCCLA Members Compete at National STAR
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) brought more than 7,000 of its student leaders, members and advisers to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas to participate in the 70th annual National Leadership Conference. Attending from the Plainview FCCLA Chapter were Trelynn Morrow, Paige Bearinger, and Adviser Ronita Jacobsen.
National Leadership Conference provided opportunities for students and advisers to come together for fun and to listen to inspiring speakers, as well as to expand their leadership skills, sharpen their talents and explore possible career pathways. The theme of this year’s conference was “SOAR” and attendees were challenged to go beyond what was expected of them to make lasting, positive impressions in their families, schools and communities.
During the conference, National STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Event Competition was held. FCCLA offers over 30 Family and Consumer Sciences related STAR events. These events include Culinary Arts, Knowledge Bowl, Career Investigation, and Fashion Construction to name a few. Members compete at the District, State and National level. This year, Trelynn and Paige were among over 4200 STAR Event participants who competed this week in San Antonio. This is the largest number of competitors at any National STAR Events competition.
Trelynn competed in the Fashion Design event. Her project required her to design a clothing line, create a portfolio, and construct one clothing garment she had designed. She received a bronze medal in the event. Paige competed in Interpersonal Communication. Her event focused on developing a project designed to strengthen communication in the selected area of family relationships. During competition she also was given a written case study related to her project. She had 10 minutes to prepare a verbal response to resolve the communication issue she was presented. She received a silver medal.“Servant Leadership: A New Call to Duty” was the title of the keynote address given by Consuello Castillo-Kickbush. She stated that, “Leadership is not abut you. Leadership is about serving.” She addressed the philosophy of servant leadership and one’s call to duty. She explained that leadership is an action that one must take for the betterment of their community and the generation to follow. Throughout the conference, students were able to attend various youth workshops. Members selected to attend: “Autism Speaks: Will you listen?”, “Soaring Beyond Your Own Expectations: From Reading Books to Writing Them”, “Soaring with Strength Through Student Body”, “The IKnowEverything Challenge”, and “Take a Seat: FCCLA @ the Table”.
They were also able to attend the Exhibit Fair and Spotlight on Projects where they gathered information about career resources, fundraising ideas, and educational materials.When not in session, FCCLA members had to opportunity to explore the San Antonio Riverfront with a Riverboat Tour. They also toured the Alamo and other areas of interest along the riverfront.
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has 200,000 members and more than 5,500 chapters from 49 state associations, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The organization has involved more than ten million youth since its founding in 1945.
FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members. It is the only career and technical in-school student organization with the family as its central focus. Participation in national programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.