Sandburg Middle School Students Compete in National STAR Event Competition

July 20th, 2016 –More than 8,000 Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members, advisers, alumni, and guests from across the country gathered in San Diego, California for the 2016 National Leadership Conference. The meeting provided Carl Sandburg Middle School FCCLA members with the opportunity to attend leadership and program training, hear national speakers, meet the National Executive Council, explore colleges and careers, and impact a city with FCCLA power. Meghan Green, Michiko Magnant, Annabella Mason, and Winnie Mikulski, rising 8th graders at Carl Sandburg Middle School in Alexandria, Virginia, were among the members and took part in STAR Event competition and completed the FCCLA Leadership Academy: Engage track at the conference. The students received gold medals for their Junior Food Innovations Project, the Strawbarley Scone.

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.

FCCLA offers over 30 STAR [Students Taking Action with Recognition] Events. These events, which include Early Childhood Education, Job Interview, and Sports Nutrition, among others, represent college and career readiness skills taught in Family and Consumer Sciences classroom. Members compete at the District, State and National level.

The FCCLA Leadership Academy develops leadership, employability, and 21st Century skills and gives members the opportunity to be recognized for their personal growth efforts. Through the program, members are given the opportunity to explore and practice essentials for the roles of family member, wage earner and community leader. The Leadership Academy offers four concentrations, two of which were offered at the National Leadership Conference. The Engage Academy strengthens leadership skills used to unify people through communication, collaboration, and conflict management.

About FCCLA

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has more than 160,000 members and more than 5,400 chapters from 48 state associations, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members, and it’s the only career and technical in-school student organization with careers that support families as it’s central focus. Participation in national programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in families, careers, and communities.

For more information on FCCLA, please contact Heather Jones at 703-799-6100 or hmjones@fcps.edu.