Jacobsen Qualifies for Nationals at State FCCLA Conference
Launch the media gallery 1 playerShayla Jacobsen earned her fourth qualifying trip to the FCCLA National STAR Competition last week while attending the FCCLA State Leadership Conference. Jacobsen received a gold medal and was announced Runner-Up in Job Interview at the STAR Awards Ceremony on Tuesday. She will compete at nationals which will be held in Seattle, Washington June 28-July 3.
The 2023 State Leadership Conference was held April 7-9 in the Lincoln Haymarket area with nearly 1,500 students and advisers from 90 Nebraska schools attending to grow their leadership skills, celebrate their accomplishments from the past year, and prepare for their future careers. Attending from Plainview were Marque Albin, Roni Prewitt, Baili Prewitt, Shayla Jacobsen, Kaydance Maertins, Anika Robinson, Ashlyn Forbes, and Adviser Ronita Jacobsen.
The FCCLA Conference began Sunday with the Opening Session. Senior Member Roni Prewitt represented the Plainview Chapter as she carried the Plainview banner across the stage in the Parade of Chapters. The keynote speaker was Coach Vera Jo Bustos, MA. She is a mental performance coach specializing in helping students, educators, and coaches improve their performance thorough the mental game. She talked about sources of validation, comparison, and recent success and how to get to inner sources of practice/preparation, mindset/self-talk, and courage when achieving any goal. She also talked about the Poison vs Power of Self-Talk giving examples of each and how stay focused on the Power.
Monday was a busy day as STAR Competitions were held and members participated in tours and attending sessions and trainings. Shayla Jacobsen had her STAR Competitors orientation at 8 am and then competed in the STAR Job Interview at 11:15 am. Marque Albin was selected as one of 7 Honorary Conference Assistants. She played a vital role in the operation and success of the State Leadership Conference. Her tasks varied throughout the conference which she completed with professionalism and smiles.
Members also kept busy with fairs, tours, and sessions. Baili and Roni Prewitt toured HUDL and Shayla Jacobsen, Kaydance Martins, Anika Robinson, and Ashlyn Forbes toured Memorial Stadium. All members took advantage of the Opportunity and Career Fair that morning to visit with college representatives and organizations. While at the fair, students enjoyed visiting with college representatives and learning more about their colleges and programs. Students also learned about fundraising options and various programs of student interest. Students also had the option to attend the following sessions: Let’s Be Active, The Ultimate Leadership Toolbox, Membership deal or No Deal, Relationship Talk: Spotting the Signs, Supporting Friends, and Taking Action, Engaging Families, and several others.
Following the fair, Voting Delegate Baili Prewitt attend the Voting Delegate Session with Roni. She listened to the State Officer Candidate speeches, responses to thought questions, and watched the candidates complete a “Fishbowl Activity”. All members attended the business session later that afternoon. During that evening’s Business and Recognition Session, Baili cast the chapter’s voting ballot.
During Monday night’s Award’s Session, the Plainview Chapter was awarded the Chapter Award-Gold Star Plaque, which is the highest rating available for chapters. The award reflects FCCLA members’ Program of Work for the current school year. To earn this award, members set realistic goals for themselves and conduct a balanced chapter program of work that is related to the family and consumer sciences program. The chapter had 12 specific tasks they needed to complete and document in the following areas: Membership, Leadership, Competitive Events/Programs, and Promoting FCCLA. The chapter was also recognized for completing a Feed Nebraska project. The Plainview Chapter and worked to collect food for the Plainview Food Pantry this past school year. Marque Albin, Shayla Jacobsen, and Kaydance Maertins were given the High 5 Membership Award for requiting 5 members each into their chapter. The chapter received the Junior Mints award for increasing the 7-9 grade membership by 14 members this past year. The chapter was also recognized by increasing their member by 15 members and received the Membership Increase Certificate. Shayla Jacobsen was presented a certificate for participation in the Child Development Knowledge Test Senior Division.
Tuesday morning members attend the District 8 Meeting and then the STAR Recognition Session. It was during this session where Shayla was announced as Runner-Up in Job Interview and advanced to nationals. “Shayla’s been working towards her goal of attending state and nationals all year by creating a new portfolio in Job Interview and working on certifications to include in her portfolio.” stated adviser Ronita Jacobsen. “Level 3 Job Interview is very competitive, and it was proven to be again this year as well as all, but 2 entries received gold medals. The top 2 highest scores advance to nationals. This means all entrants scored 90 or above in points-this indicates the high quality of the competitors.” The day ended with the Closing Session and installation of state officers.
