FCCLA Attends Peer Education Conference
The Plainview FCCLA chapter recently attended the annual State FCCLA Peer Retreat held in Kearney, Nebraska on Monday, February 23rd. There were over 300 FCCLA members and advisers from over 40 chapters from across the state in attendance. Autumn Ickler, Ashlynn, Ickler, Chance Jacobsen, and Jessica Stark, and Adviser Ronita Jacobsen attended from the Plainview chapter.
The theme for the day was “Soar Up With Peer Education”. The day began with introductions of the current Peer Officers who gave a brief overview of each National Program they represent. Introductions of the peer team finalists for the coming year recognized those students who will be vying for the three teams in April at State Conference.
The breakout sessions included presentations by the Peer Education team, Sally Bernard, and Bennett’s Taekwondo Academy. Sally Bernard, from the Advantage Financial Group, presented “Fund Your Dreams”. Bernard began by stating, “Research found employees spend eight hours of each 40 hour week thinking about their finances.” Her presentation focused on tips for being financially fit, using credit appropriately, and credit scores. Her real life examples about poor money management amazed student. Key points from her presentation included: “If you can’t make a payment, make an arrangement.” “Use a check register and check your account so you can be aware of fraudulent charges on your account and know how much money you actually have”. She stated that typical credit cards now have a 36% interest rate. She also reminded students to have an Emergency Fund and what it should be used for. She also told them to save for retirement early by putting money away even if it is only 25-50 dollars a month. She encouraged students to avoid “ugly debt” which refers to owing money to your family and friends. This, she said, is a fast way to ruin friend and family relationships.
The presentation by the Peer Education Teams of Student Body, Fianancial Fitness, and Families First helped students to learn more about the Peer Education Teams and their specific programs. Following the closing session, names were drawn for door prizes. Receiving door prizes from Plainview were Jessica Stark, Autumn Ickler, and Ashlynn Ickler.