SAN DIEGO, CA — East Central FCCLA members joined more than 7,000 FCCLA student leaders, members, and advisers at the San Diego Convention Center, June 29-July 3 to participate in the annual FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC).
The conference provided East Central students opportunities for listening to inspiring speakers, attending learning sessions, competing on the national level, and networking with other leaders. The theme of this year’s conference was “Make It Count,” which inspired attendees to share how they made it count while exploring career opportunities, developing leadership skills, and growing personally while making difference in their families and communities.
FCCLA Chapter Adviser Brenda Osman. (Provided Photo)
“We were thrilled to have an attendance of over 7,000 members, advisers, partners, and guests who were committed to discovering the unlimited possibilities available through FCCLA. The relationships and skills developed during this conference have inspired students to make a difference in their own communities and to make every moment count,” said Sandy Spavone, executive director of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America.
FCCLA National First Vice-President, Maria Deddens, a senior at East Central High School led the FCCLA National Leadership Conference. She was assisted by 9 other students on the National Executive Council. As one of National Executive Council (NEC) officers elected by their peers at the 2021 National Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN, Maria represented FCCLA for the past year. She also had the responsibility of developing and leading the FCCLA National Network which primarily includes State Officers; planning workshops for various meetings, advocating for Family and Consumer Sciences Education; conducting the general sessions at national conferences, and presiding over the election of the 2022-2023 National Executive Council.
Throughout the past year, Maria and the other national officers have represented the organization by leading workshops, working with state officers, sitting on the FCCLA National Board of Directors, and giving speeches locally and throughout the country. Mrs. Brenda Osman, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher served as their National Executive Council Adviser.
Along with Maria Deddens, 13 members from East Central FCCLA Chapters attended the FCCLA National FCCLA Leadership Conference. Thirteen students competed in FCCLA STAR Events. FCCLA’s STAR Events are based on the belief that every student is a winner. Competition, evaluation, and recognition all stress cooperation as the basis of success. Both youth and adults work together to manage the events and serve as evaluators of the participants. Throughout the year, FCCLA members tackle issues such as teen violence prevention, traffic safety, family issues,
career exploration, and much more. FCCLA programs and competitions enrich student learning, improve self-esteem, and serve students with a range of ability levels, economic situations, and cultural influences.
Thirteen students from East Central FCCLA participated in one of 30 Family and Consumer Sciences-related Competitive Events offered at NLC, including STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events. These events, support foundational, leadership, and workplace skills which include Chapter Service Projects, Job Interviews, and Sports Nutrition, among others, represent college and career readiness skills taught in the Family and Consumer Sciences classroom. Members compete at the State and National levels. This year, over 3500 STAR Event participants
competed in San Diego, CA.
From East Central Middle School FCCLA receiving a Gold Medal in the National Programs in Action Level 1 Event was Chloe Offenbacker on her seatbelt safety project. East Central High School FCCLA members also participated in STAR Events. In the Chapter Service Display Level 2 Event receiving Gold Medals were Kayla and Layla Craig on the Food Pantry Project. Receiving gold medals in the Chapter Service Portfolio Level 2 are Jocelyn Inderhees and Alexandra Seubert on their Middle School Girls’ Night Project. Becca Tupper received a Gold Medal on her Chapter Service Portfolio Level 3 Project with the Cincinnati Ronald McDonald House. In the Even Management Level 2 Project, Soraya Leurck and Maleighna Mondal received a silver medal for planning the Disney Princess Event. In the Focus on Children, Level 2 Event, Cassie Callahan received a silver medal for her project about helping others. Haylee Frazier received a silver medal on her Leadership Level 2 Project. On Leadership Level 3 Event, Emma Green received a silver medal. Kristopher Grimm received a silver medal on the Promote and Publicize FCCLA Level 3 Project. In the Sustainability Challenge Level 3 Event, Hannah Laymon received a Gold Medal.
The following students from East Central FCCLA placed in the top 10 across the nation in their respective events: Chloe Offenbacher, Kayla and Layla Craig, Jocelyn Inderhees, Alexandra Seubert, Becca Tupper, Haylee Frazier, and Hannah Laymon.
Hannah Laymon placed 1 st in the Nation in the Sustainability Challenge Level 3 Event. Jocelyn Inderhees and Alexandra Seubert placed 3 rd in the Nation in the Chapter Service Project Portfolio Level 2 Event!
The East Central FCCLA Chapter is advised by Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Brenda Osman, Ashley McConnell, and Josie Bonilla. The Sunman Dearborn Middle School FCCLA Chapter is advised by Tammy Neltner.
(East Central FCCLA press release)
