Cherokee FCCLA Students Attend NLC

 

Blazing the Trail: Student Organization Comes Together for First In-Person National Leadership Conference Since the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic

 

NASHVILLE, TN (June 23, 2021) – Trading in face masks for red blazers, more than 4,500 students from around the country got a taste of normalcy at Family, Career and Community Leaders of America’s (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference, June 27-July 2, 2021. After over a year of mask mandates, social distancing, and virtual learning, FCCLA’s student members were ready to reunite in person to participate in professional development opportunities, career exploration, and youth leadership sessions aimed at advancing families, careers, and communities through Family and Consumer Sciences education.

 

“As we adjust to this new normal, I am eager to finally put back on my red jacket and travel to Nashville for FCCLA’s National Leadership Conference,” said Supy Patel, 2020-2021 FCCLA National President. “Coming back together since COVID for an FCCLA conference is exactly what we students need after this challenging school year.”

 

Conference highlights include an inclusion, access, equity, and diversity panel led by former Survivor: One World contestant, Sabrina Thompson Mitchell, and accompanied by seven high-level business and industry leader panelists, as well as a Say Yes to Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) signing ceremony celebrating future FCS educators who have committed to pursuing a career in FCS education.

 

“A lot has happened in our world this year,” said Sandy Spavone, Executive Director of FCCLA. “This conference serves to provide students with a safe space to engage in important conversations, celebrate this year’s accomplishments, and strengthen students’ employability skills.”

Despite the challenging effects of the coronavirus pandemic, FCCLA’s membership remained relatively strong this school year surpassing 155,000 members nationally. Additionally, of the eight national Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), FCCLA is the only organization to host an in-person leadership conference this summer. For students unable or uncomfortable to travel at this time, FCCLA has also launched a virtual conference experience accessible via FCCLA’s online platform.

 

Members again competed in STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events at NLC. STAR Events are competitive events in which members are recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. Both youth and adults work together in managing the events and serving as evaluators of the participants. Students develop real world skills participating in STAR Events.   

 

Events aim to support student development of knowledge and skills by enhancing the classroom experience and career pathway initiatives by equipping students with employable skills and industry insights needed to thrive in the 21st century. FCCLA members choose what STAR Event they would like to compete in, events vary from Early Childhood Education, Entrepreneurship, and Sports Nutrition to Fashion Design, Job Interview, and Culinary Arts.

In order to advance to the national level in a STAR Event, members first compete at the district, region, and state level. Hope Jordan received a gold medal and 2nd place overall in Career Investigation, Level 2. Madison Wheeler received a gold medal in Job Interview, Level 3. 

 

Chandler Colvin, Kyson McDonald and Carson Schanbacher finished as the National Champions in the FCCLA/Knowledge Matters Virtual Business Challenge. Bridget Wilhite finished as the National Runner-Up  and Hope Jordan finished in 3rd place in the VBC Challenge. The FCCLA Virtual Business Challenge-Personal Finance contest encourages FCCLA members to test their skills in personal finance. This competition is a free event for affiliated FCCLA members. Participating members utilize a competition version of the Virtual Business – Personal Finance classroom software.

 

Bridget Wilhite, Madison Wheeler, and Hope Jordan served as three of Oklahoma’s six National Voting Delegates. In their role as voting delegates, they helped elect the new National Executive Council and voted during the business session on a proposed bylaws amendment.

 

Next year FCCLA will host its 77th National Leadership Conference in San Diego, California, June 28-July 3. To learn more about how you can get involved as a student, sponsor, or supporter, contact Heather Gottsch at Cherokee High School.

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