FCCLA Attends Fall Leadership Workshop
Launch the media gallery 1 playerPlainview’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter traveled to Wayne State College on Wednesday, September 16th to participate in the state’s Fall Leadership Conference. “Lights, Lead, Take Action” was the conference theme which brought together 365 FCCLA members from 28 chapters across Nebraska for professional development and leadership training. Plainview FCCLA members attending were Scarlet Torrey, Alina Hilpipre, Elena Camacho, Chloe Mullins, Genesis Sinkler, Drake Frosch, Payton Johansen, Remie Wells, Liam Wells, Damiana Strong, and Adviser Ronita Jacobsen.
The conference began with an opening session featuring speakers Sawyer Brudigam, Marissa Hilbers, and Charlotte Welsh and Wayne State College staff. Keynote Speaker was Alex Norton, alumnus of West Point-Beemer FCCLA chapter. He has a prominent history as an FCCLA award winner and speaker. Norton and his wife, Jamie, took over ownership of the West Point Dairy Queen in 2025, fulfilling his lifelong high school dream of owning a local business. Between speakers in the opening session, members participated in icebreakers to get them moving, engaged, and meeting members from chapters across the state. Plainview participated in the FCCLA Spotlight on Projects and Competitive Events Showcase. Projects from the past year were on display in the Atrium of the Student Center throughout the day to encourage participates in these projects and provide guidance in how they are structured. Projects displayed from Plainview were Scarlet Torrey: Focus on Children-Germs Beware Kids That Care; Jaden May: National Programs in Actions: FCCLA Give Life; and Dakotah Albin: Job Interview-Childcare Provider.
Students then attended breakout sessions throughout the day according to two tracks: Distinguished Leaders Track for chapter officers and active chapter members to get engaged with FCCLA and then take the lead at the local, state, and national level and the Emerging Leaders Track for new or early career FCCLA members to learn more about FCCLA and how they can get involved and earn recognition. Distinguished Leaders Track Session options were “From Script to Spotlight; Recognition Opportunities for Your Chapter”, “SPOTlight on Career Connection”, “SPOTlight on Stand Up & FACTS”, “Leadership in Action: State and National Officer Opportunities”, “Social Media That Shines”, and “Take Action with the Chapter Mentor Program”. Emerging Leaders Track Session options were: “Lights Lead Compete”, “The next Scene: Your Nebraska State Degree”, “Find your Feature: Exploring FCCLA National Programs”, “From idea to Action: The FCCLA Planning Process”, and “Write Your Next Scene with Power of One”.
All members participated in a Community Service Project where they worked alongside fellow FCCLA members across the state to create book kits that will be donated to local organizations. Each chapter returned with 2 book kits to donate which will help to inspire learning and literacy in our community. Through this hands-on service project members discovered how small acts of kindness can create a lasting impact and put “Lights. Lead. Take Action.” Into practice.
All members participated in “Lights, Camera, STAR Bootcamp!” Where they stepped into the spotlight and discovered how to turn their FCCLA ideas into a winning STAR Event. Through interactive challenges, teamwork, and a little movie magic, they learned the process, how to decode the rubric, and left ready to take action and make their STAR Event story a success!
During Reflection Time members met with Adviser Jacobsen to develop a plan for bringing new ideas, programs, and leadership strategies back to their chapter. Chapter members left with practical next steps to turn inspiration into action and to make this the chapter's best year yet. Following lunch, members had a tour of Wayne State College Campus.
Chapter adviser Mrs. Jacobsen attended “FCCLA Advisers Session: Take Action in 2026-27” which provided information & updates this year, including STAR projects, awards programs, and events. This session provided valuable resource for supporting student members and strengthening chapter programs.
"Events like this help our students develop the confidence and skills they need to become effective leaders in their schools and communities," said Adviser Mrs. Jacobsen. "The networking opportunities and practical workshops provide real-world experience and hands-on practice that students can apply immediately in their FCCLA projects."
The conference concluded with closing announcements and recognition of participating chapters. Students returned to school energized and ready to implement new ideas in their local FCCLA chapter activities.
FCCLA is a national Career and Technical Student Organization that helps young people develop leadership skills, explore career opportunities, and make positive contributions to their families and communities.