Earlier this month, FCCLA underwent a three-day trip to Springfield to compete in the state championship, under the guidance of teachers Brittney Bauer and Emily Renteria.
During the three-day trip that took place between April 11-13, students separately attended competitions, which lasted about four hours. Senior Rudra Gor took home a gold award in salad production, and was recognized as the “most outstanding.”
Gor gave credit to Family and Consumer Science teacher Michelle Slezak, who is currently on leave, for mentioning FCCLA during his sophomore year. He then pursued his interest in cooking “outside of school” and got “involv[ed] in FCCLA.”
“At one point [it] made me consider becoming a chef in the future,” Gor said.
FCCLA supports and provides opportunities for students like Gor to follow their interests and make them stronger.
Nate Bove also received a gold in salad production.
“I genuinely love to meet new people and learn stuff about them, so it was interesting to see where everyone was from and their thoughts about FCCLA and the competitions,” Bove said.
Senior Alejandra Duran was awarded silver for semi-formal wear, and Payton Arrendondo, also a senior, received a silver in children’s literature (as did this reporter). Senior Sarah Canabel-Ferris was recognized at the silver level for her preschool lesson, and junior Ayleen Mondragon was awarded a silver for her frosted cakes.
FCCLA members were also able to try nearby restaurants and explore downtown Springfield, in addition to going to an indoor mini-theme park, where they bonded as a group.
“Overall, I had such a great time. I met new people, got closer with the other students who attended,” Gor said.
The previous weekend, students participated in several categories out of many where they were challenged to bring their creativity and talent to work in front of an average of 1-3 judges who then provided feedback and questions based on the work presented.
FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) is an organization where members focus on various youth concerns as well as offering students to expand their leadership potential and development skills. FCCLA focuses on planning, goal setting, problem-solving, and decision-making needed in a student’s future home and workplace. Not only that but the club allows students to interact and meet new peers who then build new relationships.
FCCLA does not require a student to participate in competitions but offers the option to so that students can challenge themselves with their interests or simply do something new.
“FCCLA is not a big commitment. Make it what you want it to be. Attend school events like homecoming parades, food fest, concession stands, competitions, or community service projects,” Bauer said.
There were a total of 50 competitive events employing skills and education. The events are separated through levels based on the student’s grade.
“You are competing with other students, yes, but it is you against a rubric. FCCLA competitions give students a chance to shine in the job-skill world,” Bauer said.
FCCLA impacts students to step outside their comfort zone and abilities. Many students in the fear of competing against others hesitate to join, but those who are interested are encouraged to simply join the WEGO FCCLA meetings that take place once a month. They can also contact Bauer, Renteria, or Angela Mullins.
