(Seattle, WA) – The 2024 FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) took place in Seattle, WA, from June 29-July 3, drawing more than 8,000 students, educators, and guests from across the nation. This gathering provided a valuable platform for attendees to expand their leadership skills, sharpen their talents, explore career pathways, and listen to inspiring speakers.
The East Central High School Chapter placed in the top 10 schools in the nation to receive the Teen Rural Safety Assessment Award. The members of the chapter assessed the intersection of Schuman Road and State Route 1 to determine seat belt, cell phone, turn signal usage in addition to if cars came to a complete stop immediately after school on February 6. Chloe Offenbacker led the project at school and received the plaque at the conference.
The Indiana FCCLA State Officers, including four state officers from East Central High School including Layla Craig, Kayla Craig, Abby Cross and Chloe Offenbacker, led the state delegation at general sessions. They also served as voting delegates to vote on amendments and national officer candidates. Lastly, they attended state officer training to meet state officers from across the country.
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 that proudly members of both the East Central High School and Middle School competed at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Seattle, WA. Aislyn Ankenman and Trystan Ankenman competed in the Chapter Service Display Level 1 STAR Event and achieved a remarkable gold medal and placed 2nd in the Nation in recognition of their outstanding performance. Natalie Kirchgassner participated in the National Programs in Action Level 1 and received a Gold Medal and placed in the top 10 of the event. Eighth grader, Addisyn Evans received a Gold Medal in Focus on Children Level 1 and placed in the Top 10 in the event.
East Central High School members receiving silver medals were Jocelyn Inderhees in the Chapter Service Portfolio Event, Level 3 and Savannah Campbell in the Chapter Service Portfolio Level 2 Event. Receiving a gold medal and placing in the Top 10 in Chapter Service Portfolio Level 2 Event was Macy Lyness. Layla Craig and Kayla Craig were in the Top 10 Finalists and received a Gold Medal in the Chapter Service Display Level 3 Event. Elle Jankovsky and Madi Brown received a gold medal and were Top Finalists in the Focus on Children Level 2 Event. In the Chapter Service Portfolio Level 3 Event were Cassie Callahan, Alexandra Seubert and Shelby Dawson and they received a Gold Medal and were Top 10 Finalists in the Event. Chloe Offenbacker received a gold medal and was the Top 10 Finalist in the National Programs in Action Level 2 Event. The students’ projects exemplify their dedication, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Their accomplishment at the national level is a testament to their hard work, teamwork, and unwavering passion.
Members of the East Central FCCLA competed in the 2024 FCCLA®/LifeSmarts Knowledge Bowl competition against thirteen other teams from nine states. East Central FCCLA Members were Kate Dudley, Madison Barkley, Grace Amburgey, Lilly Green and Abby Cross among the top advancing national qualifying teams who participated in the FCCLA®/LifeSmarts Knowledge Bowl competition. The East Central Team made it to the quarter finals of the competition and finished 5th in the country. Members participated in online and on-site matches through the FCCLA®/LifeSmarts Knowledge Bowl competition. The three-level team competition tests FCCLA® members’ knowledge in six content areas: personal finance, consumer rights and responsibilities, technology, health and safety, environment, and FCCLA® knowledge.
East Central Graduate, Makenzie Kelley served this past year as the National 1st Vice President on Family, Career and Community Leaders of America’s (FCCLA) National Executive Council. Ten officers are elected by their peers every year at FCCLA’s National Leadership Conference to serve for a one-year term. Serving as a national officer is the highest leadership honor a FCCLA Member can achieve. As part of the 2023-2024 National Executive Council, Makenzie Kelley was tasked with developing and leading State Officers, planning and hosting workshops for various meetings, advocating for Family and Consumer Sciences Education, as well as conducting all general sessions at the National Leadership Conference and other meetings and events throughout the year.
The East Central FCCLA was accompanied by Chapter Adviser Brenda Osman and chaperones Katelynn Osman, Katie Inderhees, Criseida Green, Emma Green, Cari Kettman, Kerri Ankenman, Teresa Callahan, and Lea Henson.
(East Central FCCLA press release)
