By BENJAMIN DOME
Kansas vice president of individual programs for FCCLA
The Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Family Career and Community Leaders of America, also known as FCCLA, is thriving and strong in Ellis County and the surrounding areas. FCCLA is the only CTSO with family as its core value.
FCCLA has a chapter at every high school in Ellis County with a Family and Consumer Science class. The chapters at Victoria High School, Ellis High School, and the newly formed Hays High School Chapter have been representing Western Kansas extraordinarily on the state and national level.
Victoria High School has over 78 percent of students affiliated with their FCCLA chapter. Nine of those members serve as officers on the local officer team. Victoria FCCLA also hosts District B secretary Kennidy Amrien and the state vice president of individual programs Benjamin Dome.
Both serve on higher executive councils for the area FCCLA district and the state of Kansas.
Additionally, Victoria had six competitive STAR Events compete on the national level at the National Leadership Conference last summer in Denver. Three of these members, Sienna Schmeidler, Jillian Schmidt, and Averi Whindholz, took fifth in the nation with a gold in the Interior Design category. Victoria FCCLA has also been hard at work in the Victoria community.
Their members planned a welcome-back event for every Victoria Jr./Sr. High School student, hosted an American Red Cross blood drive, collected 200 canned goods for the local food pantry, 15 bags of shoes for poorer individuals, planned and threw a holiday bash for elementary students and their parents, and awarded local heroes for their hard work in the community.
Victoria FCCLA also played a vital role at the District B Fall Leadership Conference in Hoisington. Members Sienna Schmeidler and Sage Moos got on stage in front of members from schools ranging from Phillips and Smith County to Barton County to congratulate members on their completion of the Power of One units.
Kennedy Amerin, a senior at Victoria High School and currently serving as the District B secretary, attended two planning meetings to smoothly plan and execute the District B Fall Leadership Conference. Victoria FCCLA has many plans to close out the 1st semester and kick off the 2nd semester positively.
Victoria FCCLA adviser and FCS teacher Connie Braun stated, “Victoria FCCLA has five members interested in running for various higher office positions, and 18 members working on STAR Events.”
Both elections of officers and STAR Events take place in the second semester. Victoria is also poised to host the 2024 District B Star Event Competitions.
USD 432 Superintendant and Victoria Jr. Sr. High School Principal Kimberley Woolf stated, “We are so excited to host the STAR Events this year on Valentine’s Day for District B FCCLA. Our teachers will be here to help facilitate the rooms and judge. Some of my standout moments as a principal at Victoria are getting to attend some of these events with students and watching them compete.
"It is amazing to see all their months of work come to fruition when they present to their team of judges. Connie Braun is an essential part of all of this! The kids love her for her dedication and commitment.”
Ellis High School FCCLA is also enjoying The Ultimate Journey. Ellis FCCLA boasts a roster of 40 members. One of which, Taegen Shannon, serves as the current District B president.
Part of Shannon’s role is serving on the State Advisory Council and heading the planning of the District B Fall Leadership Conference, which was hosted in Hoisington in early October.
Additionally, Railers in the FCCLA Chapter have been hard at work preparing for the STAR Event competitions. Ellis FCCLA adviser and FCS teacher Mrs. Nihlas stated, “We have a group hard at work preparing for their competition. We also have a member gearing up to run for a higher office as well.” District elections will be hosted in late January at Smith Center High School.
Hays High School is also getting into the action this year. This will be the first year for Hays High to offer FCCLA in it’s school history. District B FCCLA is happy to have them become a part of the FCCLA family. The entire state association is excited to welcome them into the FCCLA community.
Many Ellis County businesses support FCCLA at various levels. Leon’s Welding and Fabrication, LLC, and Great Plains Dermatology are both sponsors of Kansas FCCLA. Leon’s Welding and Fabrication, LLC is a bronze sponsor, and Great Plains Dermatology is a silver sponsor. Kansas FCCLA is extremely thankful for their support.
The state of FCCLA in Ellis County is strong and hopeful. The entirety of the State Executive Council is proud of District B FCCLA and excited to see what Ellis County FCCLA Chapters produce in the coming semester.