Two FCCLA teams to compete at nationals

Two Albany FCCLA teams will leave Saturday, July 5, to attend the National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, where they will compete in the Level 3 Instructional Video Design event. The group will return home on July 10.

Only the top 20 video projects in the nation were selected to compete at the national level, and both Albany teams earned a spot after months of hard work. The teams will present their videos, give a five-minute oral presentation, and answer questions from a panel of judges during their scheduled competition times on Sunday, July 6.

Tristan Howe, Mimi Ivy, Woods Peterson, and Madi Parrott will compete at 11:05 a.m. Later that afternoon at 1:15 p.m., Chip Chambers, Huffman Heatly, and Slade Windham will present their project.

Both groups began their work last fall with the intention of submitting projects in different categories. However, as the videos developed, both proved to be strong fits for the Instructional Video Design category and ultimately qualified in the same division.

One team created a video focused on helping teens address the issue of vaping among peers, highlighting how to be a supportive friend in a constructive way. The other team’s video helps high school students explore post-graduation career options, including vocational training and alternatives to a traditional four-year college path.

“This year, both teams ended up in the same category, which was unexpected,” ­ ­FCCLA  adviser Jennifer Marshall said. “But both projects ranked in the top 20 in the nation, and that’s an incredible accomplishment.”

In addition to competing, the students will participate in leadership workshops, connect with other FCCLA members from around the country, and explore the Orlando area.

“This trip is always a highlight of the year,” Marshall said. “It inspires and motivates our students and gives them memories and lessons that last far beyond the competition.”

The students’ travel is made possible by the generosity of the Albany community. Local businesses, organizations, and individuals contributed funds to help cover expenses for the national trip.

“We are truly grateful for the support we’ve received,” Marshall said. “Our students are very fortunate to be part of a community that believes in them and invests in their success.”

Both videos are available to view on the ­FCCLA page linked through the Albany ISD website.