Jourdanton FCCLA Imagines, Dreams and Achieves at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference
August 24, 2011
“Imagination in Action” was the theme of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, (FCCLA), national leadership conference. Anaheim, California was the site of the conference in which over 6,000 delegates from the United States, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico were in attendance. Representing Texas and Jourdanton FCCLA were: Shelby Jimenez, Sabrina Torres, Kori Hilla and Mrs. Edna Ulbrich, advisor.
Over 3,500 delegates represented their states in the twenty-eight STAR Event categories. Shelby and Sabrina represented Texas in the competitive event of Interpersonal Communication Skills, Junior Division. They presented a summary of their state winning project, “Who’s Got the Power?” Their objective was to teach peers empathy and respect strengthening parental relationships. Their mini projects included: role playing parent/child situations, back at you pictures (pictures of teens using negative body language posted in bathrooms), displays of parental responsibilities, and displays and presentations on appropriate communication techniques. After their presentation to the judges for the Southern Region, they were given a case study and ten minutes to develop a presentation that solved the problem and point out the communication techniques used. Shelby and Sabrina were awarded a gold medal, the highest honor in National FCCLA Competition.
Two national officers: President, Ravie Karia, Brady, Texas, and Vice Presidents of Development, Ashton Fine proudly lead the conference with the other eight national officers. Nationally known motivational speakers: Chef Jeff Henderson spoke of this drug conviction, his perseverance and redemption through making his dream come true. “Who are the Champions” was the topic of Albert Mensah’s talk. His life began in Ghana living in poverty. His message was that when we overcome adversity in our own lives, we reveal that we are true champions. Speaker Patrick Kasper energetic talk motivated students through Jazz, Tap, Ballet, and Hip Hop dance, Percussive Rhythms, and Movement for Theater. Patrick’s helped delegates put fun into fitness giving the perspective that exercise can improve life.
Delegates also had the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops, and attend the National Spotlight on Projects. Although the pace of the conference was grueling, Texas delegates toured Los Angeles, Universal Studios and Disneyland. A trip to Newport Beach and a dinner cruise was the finale for the leadership conference. “Imagination in Action” and the opportunity to travel to the FCCLA Leadership Conference to a” land where dreams come true” proved to the delegates that imagination and dreams are important but it is those that persevere and work diligently that actually achieve success.
