Three Menahga students have advanced to the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Florida in July and are looking for community support to get there.
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has over 205,000 members and over 6,500 chapters from 50 states associations, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The organization has involved more than 10 million youth since its founding in 1945.
"FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience" is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members. It is the only career and technical student organization with the family as its central focus. Participation in regional, state and national programs and chapter activities that help members become strong leaders in their families, careers and communities.
"Spark Your Motivation, Ignite Our Determination" served as the theme as youth from all around the state gathered at the FCCLA State meeting, April 19-21, in Bloomington. Attendees participated in a three day dynamic state meeting of unique opportunities that challenged informed and motivated members and advisors to explore opportunities available through FCCLA: Several students advance to the state level and three students, Samantha Acuff, Brianna Paulson and Bailey Yliniemi, qualified and have advanced to the National Leadership Conference that will be held in Orlando, Fla., July 7-13.
Samantha and Brianna made a video and posted it online about distracted driving in the traffic safety category, while Bailey made a dress using coffee filters in the Recycle and Redesign category. The national conference will provide valuable information that will be brought back to Menahga School and the community through workshops and trainings, in areas of leadership, career exploration, preparing for college, youth violence prevention, traffic safety and other current issues effecting teens today.
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The FCCLA Chapter is proud of this major accomplishment, as it has been several years since anyone from Menahga School has qualified. These students are very excited to go to Orlando and represent Menahga and bring home a medal.
The chapter has been working very hard all year long raising funds to compete in regional and state meetings, which has depleted funds. It is up to the chapter officers and members to raise funds to cover the cost of the trip. The cost for the students to compete in Orlando is close to $1,092, per student. The school district does not fund any out-of-state trips or events, so they have to come up with the funds on their own. With that in mind, they are hosting a couple fundraisers, and appreciate the community's support in the efforts to raise funds for the students to attend.
The first event is a car wash fundraiser from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 24 at the Menahga Elementary parking lot. Stop by with dirty cars, trucks or vans and they will gladly wash them, (tires included).
The second fundraiser will be a pulled pork sandwich dinner and silent auction from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 30 at the Menahga City Park. Stop by for a homemade pulled pork sandwich and all the side dishes, (drink and dessert included).
To donate, volunteer or ask questions contact Joy Rippentrop, FCCLA Advisor at 255-2268 or Trish Samuelson, fundraising coordinator at 255-0751.
Funds that are raised at these events will go towards their airfare, hotel accommodations, conference and competition registration fees, money for meals and possibly some sightseeing.
If you are unable to attend these events and would like to help support these students, you can send your donation, in any dollar amount, to: Menahga Public Schools, PO Box 160 Menahga, MN 56464. Please note in the memo: FCCLA Florida Trip.
