More than 8,500 Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members, advisers, alumni, and guests from across the country gathered in San Diego, California for the 2016 National Leadership Conference. The meeting provided Cannon County High School FCCLA members with the opportunity to attend leadership and program training, hear national speakers, meet the National Executive Council, explore colleges and careers, and impact a city with FCCLA power. Taylor DeArmond, Hannah Haley, and Carrie Smith were among the members and took part in STAR Event competitions and Leadership Training at the conference.
FCCLA’s STAR Events are based on the belief that every student is a winner. Competition, evaluation, and recognition all stress cooperation as the basis of success. Both youth and adults work together to manage the events and serve as evaluators of the participants. Throughout the year, FCCLA members tackle issues such as teen violence prevention, traffic safety, family issues, career exploration, and much more. FCCLA programs and competitions enrich student learning, improve self-esteem, and serve students with a range of ability levels, economic situations, and cultural influences.
FCCLA offers over 30 STAR [Students Taking Action with Recognition] Events. These events represent college and career readiness skills taught in Family and Consumer Sciences classroom. Members compete at the District, State and National level. This year, we were among over 4,500 STAR Event participants who competed in San Diego, CA. Taylor and Hannah competed in the Chapter Service Project. This year Cannon County FCCLA volunteered their time at Special Olympics Events. Members became peer buddies and volunteers to support our athletes in these events. Taylor and Hannah received a Gold Medal in the event.
Taylor, Hannah, and Carrie participated in the FCCLA Leadership Academy. The Engage Academy develops leadership, employability, and 21st Century skills and gives members the opportunity to be recognized for their personal growth efforts. Through the program, members are given the opportunity to explore and practice essentials for the roles of family member, wage earner and community leader. The Engage Academy strengthens leadership skills used to unify people through communication, collaboration, and conflict management
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 more than 160,000 members and more than 5,400 chapters from 48 state associations, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members, and it’s the only career and technical in-school student organization with careers that support families as it’s central focus. Participation in national programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in families, careers, and communities.
Cannon County FCCLA would like to say thank you to all that made this trip possible: Cannon County Board of Education, Director of Schools Barbara Parker, CCHS Principal Mike Jones, CTE Director Courtney Nichols, Bookkeeper Joyce Taylor, Town of Woodbury, Hardee’s, United Steel Workers Local 1155L, Huff and Puff Trucking, Woodson’s Pharmacy, Michael and Aletha Thomas, Sherry Patterson, Don and Jeanette Barrett, and everyone that donated to our roadblock or helped us with our fundraisers. We could not have done it without you!
For more information on FCCLA, please contact Connie Lorance at 615-563-2144 or connie.lorance@ccstn.net.
