NEBRASKA
FCCLA MEMBERS AND ADVISER RECOGNIZED WITH SUCCESS AT NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
CONFERENCE
Family,
Career and Community Leaders of America’s (FCCLA) largest National Leadership
Conference was held in Anaheim, California June 30-July 4. More than 8,700
attendees gathered to expand leadership skills, sharpen talents, explore career
pathways, and listen to inspiring speakers. Nebraska FCCLA was well represented
by over 350 students, advisers, and guests.
This
year’s conference theme encouraged participants to “Believe in Yourself”
through competing in Competitive Events, running for office, partaking in
Leadership Academy, and continuing to make a positive impact within their
families, communities, and careers. Attendees also had the opportunity to
engage with Red Talks, attend the Ford Driving Skills for Life event, learn
about potential career and college opportunities at the EXPO, and interact with
leaders from across the nation.
“It
is always inspiring to watch so many young leaders come together and realize
their full potential through competition, career training, and leadership
workshops,” said Sandy Spavone, Executive Director of FCCLA. “This National
Leadership Conference was a great success thanks to the National Board of
Directors, National Staff, National Executive Council and their advisers, as
well as the students, advisers, and organization’s supporters.”
Madeline Wittstruck from Milford High School was one of
ten national officers elected to serve on the Family, Career and Communities
Leaders of America’s (FCCLA) National Executive Council at the National
Leadership Conference. Madeline will be serving as FCCLA’s Vice- President of
Finance throughout the 2019-2020 year. Joyce Potthoff serves at the Milford
FCCLA Chapter Adviser.
Twenty-eight National Officer Candidates took part in the
National Executive Council election process as they underwent intense
interviews, a FCCLA knowledge test, and presented a prepared speech on-stage
during the five-day conference. The FCCLA Leadership Academy develops
leadership, employability, and 21 st 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 eight
members of the Nebraska FCCLA State Officer Team participated in the Leadership
Academy including: Sydney Erickson, Pierce; Makenna Welke, O’Neill; Alexis
Cherry, Twin River; Caitlin Murphy, Exeter-Milligan; Sydney Schildt, Milford;
Jaiden Johnson, Bloomfield, Alyssa Bell, Milford; and Irelynd Pearson, Twin
River.
Mary Lou Vossler, a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher
at Exeter-Milligan Public School, received the 2019 Spirit of Advising Award.
This is an honor bestowed on only one FCCLA Chapter Adviser from each
state. Kristin Vest, State Adviser for Nebraska, nominated Vossler due to
her exemplary advising. This award is based upon the ability to recognize
chapter advisers who are constantly faithful and often quietly working behind
the scenes to ensure the success of their students.
In addition to the many learning and networking
experiences offered at the conference, more than 30 Family and Consumer
Sciences related competitive events, also known as STAR (Students Taking Action
with Recognition) 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. 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.
Of the 4,700
competitors, Nebraska had 167 participants who came home with 96 Gold medals, 60 Silver Medals, and 11 Bronze
medals and had multiple individuals and teams score in the top 10 nationally. Nebraska members brought home
56 Top Ten award winning events. The Top Ten award winners nationally include:
Caitlin
Murphy, Exeter-Milligan – Leadership,”Learning to Lead” Gold Medal and placed
#3 Nationally in her category/event.
Caitlin
Murphy also represents Nebraska FCCLA as a state officer – Vice President of
Competitive Events
