FCCLA National Leadership Conference
June 29 – July 3, 2024
Seattle, WA
Culpeper County High School (CCHS), Culpeper Middle School (CMS), Culpeper Technical Education Center (CTEC), and Eastern View High School (EVHS) FCCLA proudly represented their schools and community at the highly anticipated FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) held at the Seattle Convention Center – Summit Building from June 29 – July 3, 2024. This annual event brought together more than 8,000 passionate Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) student members, advisers, and guests.
The conference provided CCPS FCCLA Members with an amazing experience, including attending inspiring speaker sessions, engaging in youth workshops, competing nationally, and networking with fellow youth leaders. Centered around "The Ultimate Journey," this conference highlighted how FCCLA offers exceptional prospects to its members and advisers through Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education. By exploring career opportunities and instilling real-world skills, advocacy, and service, FCCLA empowers its members to make an impact that will guide them on their ultimate journey.
Sandy Spavone, Executive Director of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, expressed her enthusiasm: "This year has been nothing short of amazing, filled with milestones that reflect FCCLA’s unwavering dedication to its cause. We are thrilled to have welcomed over 8,000 members, advisers, corporate partners, and guests who are dedicated to discovering the unlimited possibilities available through FCCLA."
The highly anticipated Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events were at the heart of the conference. Over 4,300 FCCLA Members competed in these events, where they were recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. The collaboration between youth and adults in managing the events and evaluating participants allowed students to develop real-world skills and gain valuable insights.
STAR Events are pivotal in supporting student development by enhancing their classroom experience and guiding them toward successful career pathways. With more than 30 events to choose from, participants had the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities by actively addressing essential issues concerning families, careers, or communities. By researching the topic and implementing projects to advocate for positive change, students acquired valuable skills and industry insights needed to thrive in the 21st century.
We are thrilled to share the results of each school below:
Culpeper County High School student Alyssa Harding competed in the Level 2 Job Interview STAR Event and earned a gold medal. Claire Powell competed in the Level 2 FCCLA Knowledge Challenge.
Culpeper Middle School had eight students participate in the NLC conference. Emma Powell and Madison McCall earned Top 10 in the Nation and a silver medal for their efforts in Level 1 Promote and Publicize FCCLA. Atleigh Barber, Sydney Smith, and Nadia Kratly earned Top 10 in the Nation and a silver medal for their entry in the Level 1 Focus on Children category. Level 1 Food Innovations participants, Finn Ploeger and Levi Haught, earned gold medal for their entry. Mady Say earned a bronze medal for her work in Level 1 Career Investigation.
Culpeper Technical Education Center adviser Jay Cohen received the Master Adviser Award which celebrates advisers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and success in guiding their chapters and students toward excellence.
Eastern View High School had four recent graduates represent the school throughout the conference. Nataly Arita Perez, Charlotte Dingle, and Isabella Guzman earned a bronze medal in the Level 3 Interpersonal Communications STAR Event and Hannah Mullins earned a silver medal in the Level 3 Professional Presentation STAR Event. Adviser Laura Butcher was recognized with The FCCLA Spirit of Advising Award which celebrates advisers who consistently demonstrate a commitment to the FCCLA mission, work tirelessly to support student success, provide enriching learning experiences, encourage positive character development, and nurture student leaders.
Looking ahead, FCCLA will be hosting its next National Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL from July 5 - 9, 2025. For those interested in getting involved as a student, sponsor, or supporter, please contact your school’s FCCLA chapter adviser.
About FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective student-led nation-based organization supporting youth on their journey to become the leaders of tomorrow and helping them address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has over 240,000 members and more than 5,200 chapters across the nation.
The Ultimate Leadership Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members. It is the only career and technical intracurricular student organization with a central focus on careers that support families. Participation in national FCCLA programs and chapter activities aids members in becoming strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.
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