Local FCCLA students attend state leadership conference

Kendall Kittelmann, Brynn Loehding, Natalie Foxley, Kendra Tooke, Nicole O'Connell, Kendra Matthews, Danica Shepherd, Tracy Wilson, Kamryn Miller and Jillian McGraw attended the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) 2024 State Leadership Conference (SLC) in Bozeman, MT March 14-15, 2024. Amy Walker, advisor and chaperon Carol Spencer also attended. FCCLA's 2024 SLC drew over 575 members, advisers, and supporters from across the state with opportunities for personal development, career exploration, and community service. The event was made possible through a sponsorship by the Montana State University College of Education, Health and Human Development.

It has been five years since Carter County FCCLA last attended the SLC. Five members competed in STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) events. Kendra Matthews participated in the STAR Event, Professional Presentation. Her focus was on mental health. She did an amazing job earning herself a gold medal. She had the option to attend the National Leadership Conference in Seattle, but declined. That is quite an accomplishment for a first year member.

Danica Shepherd and Tracy Wilson had a project based on the Breakfast with Bestie program that the school has been putting on. These ladies did an exceptional job and earned silver medals. Kamryn Miller and Jillian McGraw presented a project on babysitting after school on the early out days. The girls worked hard and earned a silver for their project. Next year, members hope to start their projects a little earlier to relieve last minute stress

Kendall Kittelmann, Kendra Took and Nicole O'Connell attended leadership workshops while at SLC. Natalie Foxley and Brynn Loehding had the opportunity to visit three places of business in the Bozeman community. They toured a hotel, Cold Stone creamery and a bath/soap shop where they made their own bath bombs.

All the members that attended competed in a game called Goose Chase where they had to answer questions about FCCLA, meet new people and much more. This was a competition for a gift card to Amazon. The Carter County FCCLA members worked hard and came in second place (though the members think they should have won).

The Carter County FCCLA would like to extend a special thank you to the community of Ekalaka for all of their continued support of FCCLA. Members are looking forward to next year.

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 200,000 members and more than 4,900 chapters from 47 state associations and Puerto Rico.

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.