FCCLA teams qualify for national contests
By Donnie A. Lucas
The Parliamentary Procedure team of the Albany FCCLA Chapter took first place at the State Leadership Conference in Dallas last week.
The team competed in the Level I division for seventh and eighth graders, taking the top place in the state and earning a trip to the National Leadership Conference in San Diego June 29 through July 3.
Two other Level 2 online teams for ninth and tenth graders were also selected to advance directly to the national convention, including a Digital Stories for Change contest and Instructional Video contest.
“Both of the online teams were selected to advance directly to the national convention,” Jennifer Marshall, FCCLA sponsor, said. “Both of those enties were also the only ones to be selected from the state of Texas for presentation at the national level in those categories.”
The instructional, or how-to, video was created by sophomores Cole Read, Lanxton Viertel, and Zane Waggoner.
The video demonstrates basic vehicle maintenance skills such as checking air pressure and fluids that are needed to operate a vehicle safely.
The Digital Story for Change was designed and created by Houston Heatly and Luke Marshall. Their video addresses the stigma surrounding mental health issues among students.
Both videos are available for viewing on the FCCLA website at https://sites.google.com/albany.esc14.net/albanyfccla.
The Level 1 Parliamentarian Procedure team that took first place conducted a 20-minute meeting using a preset agenda of business, as well as a written test. Competing on the team were Mimi Ivy – president, Caroline Chapman – secretary, Tristan Howe – treasurer, and other members Lane Helle, Madison Parrott, Woods Peterson, and Braylee Clark.
The team placed second at the regional conference.
Juniors Mayson Garcia and Ashley Richards also attended the state conference, placing fifth in Level 3 National Programs in Action category. The duo created “We Care” packages to be distributed to homebound senior citizens locally.
Junior and senior students compete in Level 3.
Freshman Myleigh Leveridge placed third in the job interview competition at the regional conference to qualify for to compete at state.
“Our goal this year was to qualify for state,” FCCLA sponsor Jennifer Marshall said. “We exceeded that goal and are advancing students to the national level.”
Marshall, who is new to AHS this school year, brought a history of success with her from Brady where she taught for a number of years.
“I thought our students represented Albany very well and looked so nice too,” she said. “The Academic Booster Club provided funds to purchase the official FCCLA red blazers, and they also helped cover the entry fees.”
The top two entries in each contest at the state conference advance to the national conference.
