This March, members of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) participated in the New Jersey FCCLA 69th State Leadership Conference.  Through presenting projects and competing in state and STAR competitive events, students learned valuable leadership skills.

The adviser of the school’s FCCLA chapter, Mrs. Blair, greatly supports the national organization in their work to “assist young men and women in becoming leaders, as well as in addressing important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family & Consumer Sciences Education and Related CTE Occupations.”  FCCLA presents unique opportunities to students, as it is the only national in-school organization with the family as its central focus.  Since its founding in 1945, the organization has assisted in educating over ten million youth.  Mrs. Blair encourages students to get involved with the program, because “participation in national programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.”

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At this year’s conference, 18 FCCLA members from FTHS presented their skills and earned top medals in events.  There are so many members to congratulate such as Chris Grushko (2nd place silver medal in Hospitality) and Antoinette Megles (1st  place bronze medal in Nutrition and Wellness), who were invited to represent New Jersey at the National Leadership Conference in San Diego this summer.  Other members to congratulate include: Erica Colon (bronze medal in Fashion Design), Simone Gonzalez (1st place gold/perfect score in Toys that Teach), Lindsay Kaiser & Victoria Spinoso (2nd place silver medal in Windows of Fashion), Kaitlyn Taptich, Sydney Kinder & Jon Santos (gold medal in Toys that Teach), Heather Paul (gold medal in Life Event Planning), Alexis Roth (silver medal in Recycle & Redesign and 4th place gold in Sewing for Service), Sean Dairo (bronze medal in Cake Decorating), Elvira Shekeeva (3rd place gold medal in Storybook Ethics), and Victoria Toldo (silver medal in Storybook Ethics).

Congratulations to all FCCLA members who participated in this conference!