Scooping up the meat, she piled it in a corn tortilla as she prepared the meal in the Jacket-Beestro. Then sprinkled some cheese and lettuce on top. The 4th grader laughed in delight as he bit into the taco. This is one of the projects that FCCLA hosted this year. Senior Skylar Garner, president of the FCCLA organization 2023, hopes to bring more awareness to the chapter. This year, Garner wants everyone to know how fun FCCLA can be and what it’s all about.
“FCCLA stands for “Family Career Community Leaders of America,” Garner said. “it teaches teens to help their community and helps improve their leadership skills.”
Students learn different types of leadership skills that they can use after high school and these skills can also help them in their future careers.
“This year has definitely started off great.” Garner said, “We have 55 members this year, and one of my main goals is to help FCCLA grow and showcase how fun it can be.”
Because FCCLA has more members this year, Garner had help to kick off the year with her fundraiser Cupcakes for Cancer.
“This fundraiser was for a member of our community, Courtney Dodge Clayton who has breast cancer,” Garner said. “She was diagnosed weeks after her 30th birthday making her the fourth generation to battle breast cancer. After receiving over 100 orders for the cupcakes with the help from our FCCLA officers and other members, we ended up raising about $2500 for Courtney.
Shortly after the Cupcakes for Cancer fundraiser, Garner and member volunteers hosted a three day Mini-Cooking Camp.
“This past week, on October 24, 25, and 26, we had our very first Jacket-Beestro Mini-Cooking Camp.” Garner said, “This mini-camp is to help raise money for our chapter. This camp was available to grades third to sixth. We taught the kids about nutrition and how important it is to eat healthy. We demonstrated and helped them make smoothies, tacos and much more.”
FCCLA is not just about helping the community, but it is also about helping students with their dreams and future careers.
“Members of FCCLA have the option to compete in STAR Events.” Garner said, “Students compete and present in front of judges. We also have Spotlight On projects. This is usually for our shy kids. Students can compete within their comfort zone, they still make boards, compete, but they don’t have to present. Lastly, we also have different tests students can take. The tests consist of questions about FCCLA’s mission and purpose and what FCCLA is about. Kids get gold, bronze, or silver awards, and they don’t need to compete.”
Students have the opportunity to showcase their ideas and dreams during these competition events.
“We work all year for presentations. Garner said, “During February to March, we go to a one day region competition and present in front of judges. Last year, I participated in the cupcake competition. With this competition, students can incorporate their future career, so I chose nursing. My cupcakes were angel food flavored and I also had needle decorations and I got first in state.”
There are different ways students participate in FCCLA. Members and officers of FCCLA are always working hard to make a difference in their community and in their lives. Not only do students make new friends and step out of their comfort zone, but they can also win awards for competing and showing what they love or take interest in.
“Last year, for nationals we went to Denver, Colorado,” Garner said, “We got to meet new people from everywhere, people from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Alaska. I love FCCLA! We get to make new friends and it helps kids get out of their shell.
