FCCLA Attends Conference in Kearney
Launch the media gallery 1 playerThe Leigh-Clarkson chapter joined over 450 other Nebraska FCCLA members and advisers at the State Peer Education Conference held in Kearney, NE on February 24, 2020. The theme of the meeting was “SPOT The Difference Peer Education is Making”.
Four students from Leigh attended the conference, and were accompanied by their advisor, Mrs. Megan Hillen. The members attending were: Alicia Holmberg, Natalie Brabec, Tanyn Larson, and Gracie Eisenmann.
Advisor, Mrs. Megan Hillen said, “Peer Conference was a great experience for the students in our chapter seeking leadership opportunities beyond our chapter.
Best of luck to Natalie and Alicia as they continue to develop their leadership skills and progress through the process of running for a higher office.”
The State Peer Officer Team has joined with the State Officers to promote the ‘Live Like Lisa’ Kindness Challenge. The ‘Live Like Lisa’ Kindness Challenge is in memory of Lisa Groth, a former FCS teacher at Leigh. Members are encouraged to nominate other chapter members or advisers that go above and beyond to be the kindest person that they can be. Emily Loseke from Leigh was nominated for this award.
Candidates for the 2020-2021 State Peer Officers Team were also introduced during the conference. Junior Alicia Holmberg is a candidate for the Community Leader Team and sophomore Natalie Brabec is a candidate for the Family Leader Team. There were also many awards presented at the Peer Conference. The Leigh-Clarkson Chapter was recognized for attending.
SPOT finalist, Natalie Brabec said, “This year's Peer Conference was an amazing opportunity to expand my leadership skills in FCCLA. I really enjoyed going and it helped me get ready for State in April.”
In addition, there were several speakers and sessions. The keynote speaker was Kevan Hueftle, a Eustis, Nebraska native. He shared his experiences of losing his leg in a hunting accident and training to be a runner with a prosthetic leg. He also spoke about how he was able to overcome adversity and how members can as well. Kevan has competed for Team USA in the Parapan American Games in Peru as well as the World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai.
There were also 3 breakout sessions. The first was “SPOT the Difference Peer Education Can Make!” In this session, the State Peer Officers educated members about Peer Teams and how to use FCCLA as a tool for success. Diane Karr and Morgan Wrich, members of the CommonGround Organization educated members of the importance of agriculture in Nebraska.
Carol Schroeder, mayor of Dannebrog, Nebraska, home healthcare nurse, and former owner of the Danish Baker, spoke about being “Nebraska Strong and Dannebrog Determined” and how their community survived the 2019 flood. She gave several different viewpoints on the flooding and talked about emotional aspects as well.
In all, this was a great day of learning for all who attended!