Eleven Cherokee FCCLA Members Attended National Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN

 

July 2017 – Cherokee FCCLA joined more than 7,500 FCCLA student leaders, members, and advisers at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN, July 2nd-6th to participate in the annual FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC).

 

The conference provided Cherokee students opportunities for listening to inspiring speakers, attending learning sessions, competing on the national level, and networking with other leaders. The theme of this year’s conference was “Unlimited Possibilities,” which inspired attendees to discover the unlimited possibilities within their reach while exploring career opportunities, developing leadership skills, and growing personally while making difference in their families and communities.

 

“We were thrilled to have an attendance of over 7,500 members, advisers, partners, and guests who were committed to discovering the unlimited possibilities available through FCCLA.  The relationships and skills developed during this conference have inspired students to make a difference in their own communities and to discover the unlimited possibilities within their reach,” said Sandy Spavone, executive director of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.

 

Bridget Wilhite, Kyla Colvin, Dakota Dooley, Kaitlyn Miller, Morgan Clem, Kenzie Golden and Taylor Miller participated in one of 30 Family and Consumer Sciences related Competitive Events offered at NLC, including STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events, Knowledge Matters Virtual Business Challenge and the FCCLA/LifeSmarts Knowledge Bowl. These events support foundational, leadership, and workplace skills in areas such as advocacy, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship.

 

Competing with over 4,200 STAR Event participants in Nashville, Bridget Wilhite received a silver medal for her event, Career Investigation, Junior Division. Bridget developed a portfolio containing research about the profession of a labor and delivery registered nurse. She also took self-assessments to determine the areas in which her strengths were and developed both short and long-term goals relating to her education and career. Bridget had the opportunity to interview an RN from the labor and delivery department at Integris Bass Hospital in Enid and also job shadowed an RN through her involvement in the MASH Program through Northwest Technology Center.

 

The Virtual Business Challenge-Personal Finance event encourages FCCLA members to test their financial literacy skills. Participating teams made personal finance decisions for a simulated person. The concepts students managed included opening bank accounts, paying bills, filing taxes, applying for jobs, enrolling in educational courses, paying for goods, applying for credit cards, determining schedules, budgeting, and more. Teams who qualified and advanced to competition at the national level faced off head to head in a double elimination bracket. The team consisting of Morgan, Taylor, and Kenzie finished in 6th place. The team consisting of Kyla, Dakota, and Kaitlyn finished in 3rd place and were recognized on stage during a special recognition session held at NLC. Their team received a $250 prize and plaque for their 3rd place finish.

 

Joslyn Clem served as one of Oklahoma’s seven voting delegates this year. Voting delegates were responsible for representing their state in interviewing and selecting the new 2017-2018 National Executive Council as well as casting their vote for a proposed bylaws amendment. Joslyn spoke to the Oklahoma delegation during one of the two Oklahoma State Meetings held during the week.

 

Madison Wheeler, Taryn Miller, and Laynie Golden served as volunteer youth room consultants during the STAR Event competitions.

 

Cherokee FCCLA members who attended NLC also had the opportunity to visit and tour Graceland in Memphis, the Grand Ole Opry where Montgomery Gentry was the highlight performer; sailed on the General Jackson Showboat; attended a private concert for FCCLA Members by country music stars Dan + Shay; and attended a semi-formal gala after the closing general session.

 

The eleven student delegates from Cherokee were accompanied by parent sponsors Lydia Wilson and Tammi Miller. Cherokee FCCLA Chapter Adviser Heather Gottsch also attended NLC.