Student and Adviser attend FCCLA’s National Leadership Conference
Provided Julie Tommer
More than 6,100 Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members, advisers, alumni, and guests from across the country gathered together in Chicago, Illinois, July 3-8 for FCCLA’s 2010 National Leadership Conference. Samantha, FCCLA District G President and Lyons High School student and Julie Tommer, Lyons High School Family and Consumer Science instructor and FCCLA adviser were among the more than 6,100 in attendance.
The conference marked a milestone 65th anniversary of FCCLA and celebrated
"Years of Leadership”. The conference began with a July 4th, themed birthday celebration that continue throughout the week in which participants actively confronted the issues and challenges facing youth, and worked towards gaining the life skills they need to meet those challenges. Over 3,200 students took part in FCCLA’s competitive events which provide several opportunities for students to gain recognition for their individual, team, and chapter activities. Events such as Illustrated Talk, Job Interview, Focus on Children, Financial Planning, Applied Technology, Culinary Arts, and Chapter Service Project Display are just a few of the more than 25 events students compete in.
Each year FCCLA partners with a non-profit organization, this past year FCCLA’s National Outreach Project was a collaboration with Children’s Miracle Network. Chapters across the nation raised funds for children’s hospitals and foundations throughout the United States. This year, chapters combined to raise $241,590.
During the 5 days in Chicago, students/members attended workshops on issues such as; dating relationships with Jared Kempton, author; preparing for college with academic advisors from Johnson and Wales University; making and keeping commitments presented by Joel Penton, the Danny Wuerffel Trophy winner from Ohio State University; online and mobile safety with AT&T’s ConnectSafety; think before you drive with Bridgestone Americas, Inc; Rachel’s Challenge and many other leadership workshops. Samantha, who also serves as the Lyons High Student Council president stated, “The 2010 FCCLA National Program was a blast, I learned so much about leadership and how to be a more effective leader in both my school and community.”
Advisers attended workshops and seminars during the conference covering issues such as; technology availability for FACS teachers; teaching leadership in the classroom with author Barry Posner; teaching with your strengths and finding the strengths of your students with author Rosanne Liesveld as well as reviewed literature and activities for classroom use. Mrs. Tommer said, “It’s always great to network and share ideas with other FACS teachers from across the United States. I’m excited to get back into the classroom and use the information I gained while at the conference.”
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 over 200,000 members and over 6,500 chapters from 50 state associations, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The organization has involved more than ten million youth since its founding in 1945.
FCCLA: 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 in-school student organization with the family as its central focus. Participation in national programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.
