This past week Devine FCCLA spent a week in Anaheim, California for the National FCCLA Conference. They traveled with the Texas Delegation consisting of 700 people. The conference had 8,700 attendees with 4,700 students competing in STAR Events. This trip would not have been possible without the help of our generous community and we are forever grateful for your support!
Abby Kohlleppel competed in the Entrepreneurship Senior category earning a Gold with a score of 96.4 which placed her 6th in the Nation! In her project, she created a Café and Bakery she called Farmhaus. She researched and developed an in-depth business portfolio consisting of 10 chapters and a display to accommodate her in her 20 minute presentation. Abby ended her very successful FCCLA career and made Devine history by being the first to qualify and receive Gold for three years at the national level.
Kelli Geyer, Karma Herring and Kendall Marek competed in Illustrated Talk Junior. There project was titled Live Happily without Cavities. Their goal was to spread the importance of good hygiene and brushing teeth. They teamed up the Americas Tooth Fairy and created presentations for the Elementary and Intermediate Campus and Little Red Rooster, reaching nearly 500 kids. They received Gold with a score of 94 and placed 12th in the Nation!
Our regional officers attended for the first time in several years. Charlize Benavidez, VP of Correspondence, served as a voting delegate for Texas in the National Business meeting. Her job consisted on round table discussion and interviews to help select next year’s National officers. Charlize is the 4th Regional Officer in Devine to hold this position of leadership at the National Level. Amy Bailey, VP of Achievement, served as an Evaluator for the Say Yes to FCS event.
Throughout the conference students were able to attend general sessions and an expo fair. This opportunity only encouraged them to improve our organization. They are already looking for projects to teach this school year and deciding how they can reach more people in school and the community.
While in California, we were able to sightsee. We attended an Angel’s baseball game and visited Huntington Beach and ate at Rubys on the pier for a 1950s experience and good ole milkshake. We went to Disneyland and a quick tour of Hollywood. Our most memorable experience was the aftermath of the 6.4 earthquake. Who knew 150 miles away a ripple could be felt.
We are pleased to share our results with the community and appreciate everyone who purchased spaghetti and silent auction tickets as well as donating items to get our team to Anaheim. We would like to recognize and thank all of our sponsors once more; Sherry’s Flower Shop, Circle C Services, Chaparral Ford, Felipe Tire Shop, Darlene Crain Insurance, Devine News, Little Red Rooster, JL Vail Photography, The Current Events Club, Dynamic Physical Therapy, Jim and Raye-Linn Jackson, DJ Carlson Memorial, Dels Grass Farms, Security State Bank, Charlies II, Hurley Funeral Home, Storage Solutions Plus, Shannon Rangel, The Nixon Family, Country Gal’s Market, St. Joseph’s Knights of Columbus #5192, Devine Dental Care, Alexander Insurance, Chris and Heather Miller, Traveller Electric, LLC, Security Bank, Brenda Burford, Medina Glass, Mark Kidd State Farm, Devine VFW POST #3966, Devine Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post #3966, Landstar System, Inc., and Community National Bank.
Please know that we are so very grateful to you for your generous support. You have made a huge difference to our students and Devine High School.
By Madeline Steubing
DHS FCCLA teacher