FCCLA Members Return from State Conference with National Qualifier
FCCLA members returned from the 2025-26 State Leadership Conference with several chapter and individual awards, along with Jaden May qualifying for her first National STAR Competition, which will be held in Washington, D.C. July 5-9.
The conference was held March 29-31 in the Lincoln Haymarket area with nearly 1200 students and advisers from 90 Nebraska schools present. Over the three-day conference, members attended general sessions, participated in workshops on relevant youth issues, toured local organizations, networked with organizations and post-secondary institutions, competed in various competitive events, and much more! Attending from Plainview were Kaydance Maertins, Ashlyn Forbes, Dakotah Albin, Scarlet Torrey, Jaden May, Adviser Ronita Jacobsen and Alum Shayla Jacobsen- STAR Evaluator.
During opening session Junior Member Ashlyn Forbes represented the Plainview Chapter carrying the Plainview FCCLA Banner across the stage in the Parade of Chapters. This session featured adult and adviser awards along with individual member recognition. Kaydance Maertins was recognized for completing all 5 Power of One Modules. Jaden May, Kaydance Maertins, and Dakotah Albin participated in the FCS Challenge Tests that were completed virtually prior to the conference. Results are Jaden May-First place, Housing and Interior Design-Junior Division; Kaydance Maertins-2nd Place, Life and Career Readiness-Senior Division. Additionally, Adviser Ronita Jacobsen was recognized with the ACE Award.
Monday FCCLA members Dakotah Albin, Jaden May, and Scarlet Torrey were kept busy with STAR Competitions. All members attended the Opportunity and Career Fair and visited with college representatives and organizations, learning more about their colleges and programs. Members also discovered fundraising options and various programs of student interest. Ashlyn toured Hudl on Monday while Kaydance toured UNL College of Education & Human Sciences on Tuesday. Favorite session from Monday and Tuesday were: Professional Preparation: give your resume a: Glow-Up”, Purpose of Education: Lighting a Spark to Discover Your Why, The Power of Being Present: Great Leaders Start in the Room They’re In, and so many more.
Voting Delegate Kaydance Maertins attended the Voting Delegate Session on Monday. She listened to the State Officer Candidate speeches and their responses to thought questions, and watched the candidates complete a “Fishbowl Activity”. She took detailed notes and presented the information during evening meal. During the Recognition Session, Kaydance cast the chapter’s voting ballot. Kaydance also represented the chapter at the Business Meeting, placing the chapter’s vote on several bylaw changes.
The Recognition General Session on Monday evening, where attendees heard from Dr. Brian Maher, Nebraska Commissioner of Education, and keynote speaker, Ketric Newell. Newell challenged FCCLA members to examine the limiting beliefs and messages that influence their confidence, choices, and leadership potential. Through an encouraging and reflective message, he emphasized the power of self‑awareness, truth, and personal responsibility in shaping one’s future. Members found themselves attending his breakout sessions throughout the conference to learn more about his message!
Chapter awards were presented during the Recognition Session on Monday evening where recipients were recognized on-stage for their accomplishments. This year, the Plainview Chapter received the Gold Star Plaque, which is the highest rating available for chapters. The award reflects Chapter’s 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 also received the “White Chapter Affiliation Award”; for having 68% of its chapter members in an FCS course
Additionally, the Say Yes to FCS Signing Event took place during this session. Kaydance Maertins participated, declaring her intent to study Early Childhood Education at Northeast Community College. Additional recognition was announced and given on-screen for membership recruitment. Awards and recognition were the High 5 Membership Award for recruiting 5 members each into their chapter to Kaydance Maertins and Dakotah Albin. The Individual Go for the Red Membership Recognition Award went to Kaydance Maertins.
On Tuesday, for the second year, members had the opportunity to participate in Skill Demonstration Events during the conference. This competitive event includes events that provide opportunities for members to demonstrate college and career-readiness skills gained through FCS courses and FCCLA involvement. Both students Skills Demonstration Interviewing Skills-Junior Division: First Place Scarlet Torrey, 3rd Place Dakotah Albin
This year, more than 700 students participated in STAR events at the State Leadership Conference. STAR Events (Students Taking Action with Recognition) recognize members for proficiency and achievement in individual and chapter projects, leadership skills, and career preparation in over 30 national events. Students who were named the State Champion or Runner-Up (some events Top 3) and earned a Gold or Silver medal also qualified to compete in the national competition in Washington, D.C. this July. Results of those competing this year are:
- Chapter Service Display Level 2: Jaden May, Gold Medal, Runner-Up National Qualifier
- Focus on Children Level 2: Scarlet Torrey, Gold Medal, 4th Place (top 3 attend nationals)
- Job Interview Level 2: Dakotah Albin, Gold Medal, 4th Place (top 3 attend nationals)
The on-site service project involved bringing school supplies, which were donated to Visionary Youth in Lincoln, whose mission is to impact families and change lives by supporting youth to reach their full potential. The chapter contributed 40 items to the 300+ individual school supplies which were donated to the organization through this project. The items were presented during closing session.
“I can’t wait to see what next year brings for these individuals. I am so proud of every member’s accomplishments. Everyone had a specific goal and put in the work and time to create outstanding projects. The individual learning and self-growth that was made this year, regardless of “making nationals” is what I view as success.” stated adviser Ronita Jacobsen.