Six earn medals at state FCCLA, two earn trip to nationals

Six members from the Perkins County High School FCCLA (Family, Career & Community Leaders of America) Chapter attended the FCCLA State Leadership Conference and STAR Competition, April 9-11 in Lincoln. 

“Strengthen Roots and Grow Potential in FCCLA” was the theme of the meeting attended by over 1,500 delegates from over 100 FCCLA chapters in Nebraska. The members attending from PCS were Valerie Perez, Karen Ruiz, Jessica Klingelhoefer, Kadie Hanson, Jacob Woodmancy and Matthew Wendell. The group was sponsored by FCCLA Advisor Cathy Ochsner.

Sunday evening, the members attended the opening session at Pinnacle Bank Arena (PBA) and were inspired by the motivational speaker, Ryan Moran. He used humor and example to help everyone remember “the POSSE” is being Positive, Open, Sincere, having Spirit, and not being Exclusive.”

The students were motivated to get ideas for their future at an opportunity fair held at PBA on Monday. Delegates were able to visit with college representatives to help them plan for an education after high school and also with various organizations to get ideas for chapter projects for next year. 

Ruiz served as the chapter’s voting delegate at state conference and was involved Monday afternoon in activities with the members running for state office. 

Ochsner attended the District 11 FCCLA meeting on Monday afternoon and was involved in helping to plan for District 11 Fall Leadership Conference to be held in McCook in October.

FCCLA members had the opportunity to attend breakout sessions on Monday afternoon. A variety of topics were covered including “Brand Yourself”, “Teen Driver Safety: Be The Difference in Your Community” and “Take Down Tobacco”. 

Awards

All six members attending competed in STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) on Monday at the Courtyard Marriott and PBA.

Perez and Wendell were awarded the top silver championship medal and qualified to represent Nebraska at the National FCCLA STAR Competition in Atlanta in June in the area of advocacy, senior division. 

Klingelhoefer and Hanson were awarded a gold medal in the focus on children senior division event.

Ruiz and Woodmancy earned a bronze medal in applied math for culinary management. 

During the Monday night business session, Perkins County High FCCLA Chapter received the “Red Rose” level of the Red and White Affiliation Award for having the highest percentage of FCCLA members also enrolled in Family and Consumer Science classes.

Klingelhoefer received this award for the Perkins County Chapter.

Ochsner was recognized for 30 years of service to FCCLA at the Monday evening session.

The chapter was also recognized for their project related to FEED Nebraska. Members collected food for the Perkins County Food Pantry in October and a K-12 student competition held in February during FCCLA Week. 

The chapter thanks the Perkins County residents, students and staff who helped collect groceries and cash donations for these projects leading up to their recognition at state.

Awards banquet

Perkins County FCCLA will complete this year with awards and installation at the high school on Monday, April 30 at 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room.

Everyone is invited to attend. Various awards for the year will be presented. They ask others to join as they “Strengthen Our Roots and Grow Our Potential in FCCLA.”