RUTLAND– Avery Mullan of Proctor, Vt., and Kira Simonds of Whiting, Vt., recently participated in STAR Events (Students Taking Action with Recognition) at Family, Career and Community Leaders of America’s (FCCLA) 2016 National Leadership Conference in San Diego, Calif. They joined more than 8,500 nationwide members, advisers, alumni, and guests of FCCLA, gathered July 3-7 for this 2016 National Leadership Conference. They were accompanied by their Stafford Technical Center FCCLA adviser, Susan Densmore, and chaperone, Melissa Densmore.
Avery Mullan, who graduated from Proctor High School and is the daughter of Craig and Debbie Mullan, and Kira Simonds, who will be a senior from Otter Valley Union High School and is the daughter of Mark and Tracy Simonds, received silver medals in Focus on Children. This is one of over 30 national STAR Events available to FCCLA students. Their medals were presented at a recognition session honoring participants at the San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina on Thursday, July 7. Approximately 4,500 students advanced from the local, regional, and state level of STAR Events to the national meeting.
Focus on Children is an individual or team event which recognizes participants who use family and consumer sciences skills to plan and conduct a child development project that has a positive impact on children and the community. Avery Mullan and Kira Simonds planned and conducted Sunday afternoon activities for children in grades 2-4 at the Proctor Library in Proctor, Vt.
The conference provided Stafford Tech Center FCCLA students opportunities to come together for energizing learning while listening to speakers, expanding leadership skills, sharpening talents, and exploring career pathways. The theme of this year’s conference was “Empowered,” which inspired attendees to make the right choices and commit themselves to making a positive impact within their families, schools, FCCLA, and communities.
Throughout the year, FCCLA members tackle issues such as teen violence prevention, traffic safety, family issues, career exploration, and much more. FCCLA programs and competitions enrich student learning, improve self-esteem, and serve students with a range of ability levels, economic situations, and cultural influences.
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Kira Simonds from Whiting (left) and Avery Mullan from Proctor (right) received silver medals in Focus on Children at the National Leadership Conference in San Diego, Calif.