Cold Springs FCCLA students recently attended the Alabama Leadership Conference in Montgomery March 7-8.
The achievement is the result of months of preparation by the students and advisor, Stephanie Blair.
FCCLA students competed in individual and group projects. The students prepared a portfolio, or display board, and create a 10-to-15-minute presentation. More than 1,200 FCCLA students from across the state attended the conference and more than 755 students from around the state competed.
Sophia Slusser and Baylee Perdue placed 1st and overall gold in the Chapter Project Portfolio Level 2 category; Baylee Dye and Coco Fox placed 1st and overall gold in the Chapter Project Display Level 2 category; and Josiah Johnson placed 1st and overall gold in the Sustainability Challenge Level 3 category. With their first place wins, these students will be able to compete this summer at the FCCLA National Conference in Seattle, Wash.
Other winners include: Savannah Bischoff placed gold in the Fashion Design Level 3 category; Ellanora Slusser placed gold in the Leadership Level 3 Category; Rebecca Baggett placed gold in the Chapter Project Display Level 3 category; Aiden Freem placed gold in the Career Investigation Level 2 Category; and Clayton Gary placed gold in the Career Investigation Level 3 Category.
Ellanora Slusser was also recognized for Power of One completion. Power of One is a goal-setting program that has five units that must be completed before receiving recognition. Students that complete Power of One receive state and national recognition.
“These students put in a lot of hard work and determination, and they were able to bring home medals, but so much more,” said Blair. “They also brought home leadership, teamwork, critical thinking skills, networking, public speaking skills and more.”
Overall, the Cold Springs FCCLA Chapter was recognized with the Golden STAR Award. Only eight other chapters were recognized as being a STAR chapter. The club received a banner to be placed in the Family and Consumer Sciences classroom.
“This recognition is for chapters that develop and implement well-rounded programs of work. Chapters with well-rounded programs of work supporting Alabama and National FCCLA Strategic plans have programming membership, chapter activities and operations, community services, state and national activities, leadership development and promotion/public relations,” said Blair.
First and second place winners can now attend Nationals in Seattle June 28-July 4th to compete with other FCCLA members from across the United States. The trip will cost about $1,500 for each person. Anyone who would like to contribute to FCCLA, please contact Stephanie Blair at Cold Springs High School.