WDC FCCLA Chapter members prepared to attend the Academy Awards Session.
Bloomington, MN – Over 1,000 middle and high school students gathered for Minnesota FCCLA’s (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) annual State Leadership Conference, April 14-16 in Minneapolis.
This year’s student-created theme is “Agents of Change.” Chapters from across the state competed in STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events, participated in youth-training workshops, and took interest in general sessions lead by student officers of the organization that showcased this year’s successes.
Highlights of the conference included keynote speaker Reggie Dabs with an inspirational presentation on keeping a positive outlook to overcome adversity and living a life of high moral character. Hope Norenberg and Andrew Backman led the Safest Summer Ever Teen Driving Summit for teens. Motivational speakers Renae Groskruetz, Joe Schmit, Mark Lindquist and Evelyn Vonn Banks presented to the delegates. Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith and singer Kat Perkins were at general sessions to address members. The closing session featured “Sheltered Reality,” a high-energy drumming group.
Another feature at the state conference included participation in over 30 different categories through STAR Events. Members gave presentations about projects they’ve organized and executed this past year—having advanced from Regional competitions—for an opportunity to attend the National Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. Projects covered a wide scope of current issues that address anything from career preparation, to fitness, to traffic safety. Students attended the Academy Awards session Friday evening to receive STAR Event results, including awards in bronze, silver, and gold categories dependent on performance. Many STAR Events give students the opportunity to ignite youth leadership in the community, stressing cooperation as the basis of success.
As the MN FCCLA State Vice President of Communication, Hope Norenberg was a part of the leadership team that planned the conference. Jessica Langer, the 2015-16 MN FCCLA Region 6 Treasurer, relinquished her position at the meeting. She also was a STAR Event judge.
WDC FCCLA members who competed in STAR Events were very successful. Earning gold medals were: Frannie Bakken and Paige Barthel for We Scare Hunger: Morgan Grangruth, Casey Bounds, and Issac Breitling for Dime Drive: Joslynn Judd and Taylor Simon for Protecting You Protecting Me; and Angela LeComte, Emma Mehl and Teagan Roberts for Little Dresses for Africa.
Caitlin Savage competed in Chapter in Review Display received a gold medal, and is one of the advancers to the National FCCLA Leadership Conference in San Diego, California. Hope Norenberg also earned a gold medal in Career Investigation and advanced to national competition.
At the Academy Awards Session, LaDonna Norenberg was one of four people honored with Honorary Membership. LaDonna is co-adviser for the WDC FCCLA chapter.
Tyler Jahnke participated as a helper to the state officers and assisted with sound and lighting for the general sessions in the Grand Ballroom.
Caitlyn Savage, WDC FCCLA Chapter Treasurer picked up the STAR Event trophy earned by the chapter members earning at least 3 gold medals.
LaDonna Norenberg was presented a plaque during the FCCLA Academy Award Session as she was awarded FCCLA Honorary Membership.