Organization provides real-world skills for students
GRANGER –– Five Family, Career and Community Leaders of America students from Granger High School will travel to Orlando, Florida, July 3-10 to participate in the FCCLA National Leadership Conference.
Students Connor Vanek, Jack Darley, Alexandria Lopez, Calvin Thomas and Marisa Garcia will attend workshops, network with peers from across the country, meet with industry professionals and develop skills that will translate to college, the workplace and family life, educators said.
“The national conference is where students compete and continue to grow in their character development,” said Angela Dismukes, FCCLA adviser and family and consumer science teacher at GHS.
FCCLA is a national student-led organization that prepares students to become leaders in their families, careers and communities by focusing on character development, creative and critical thinking and interpersonal communication, sponsors said.
Students also engage in service projects to serve their communities.
“Our students are able to build real-world skills in leadership, public speaking and teamwork all while promoting strong family and community values,” Dismukes said.
“We are super excited to see our Granger kids compete on the national stage,” said Granger Independent School District Superintendent Stephen Brosch. “The leadership opportunities they get through this experience are huge and we are excited to see them learn at the national level.”
Through FCCLA, students can compete in STAR events, or Students Taking Action with Recognition. STAR events are competitive projects ranging from entrepreneurship to fashion construction and public policy.
Darley is competing in the area of job interviews. He placed second at the recent state conference in Dallas.
At the national conference, Darley will simulate a 20-minute job interview with a panel of judges. Dismukes said he also created a portfolio with a resume, application and other job-appropriate paperwork to present at the mock interview. Thames, Garcia and Lopez created a website and will present to the judges their processes of designing and updating the site.
Vanek will attend the national conference in a leadership role. As state parliamentarian, Vanek will lead the Texas delegation in national officer elections.
Dismukes knows what it takes to attend the FCCLA National Conference. She was a part of the program in high school and attended the national conference in Chicago.
“Meeting students from all over the country who shared a passion for their family and community was life-changing,” she said.
Dismukes credits her own adviser, Dana Allamon, for encouraging and inspiring her students and teaching them to believe in themselves.
“Because of her, I knew that someday I wanted to be the same kind of mentor for students. I know firsthand how this organization shapes lives and I’m honored to now guide students through their own journey,” Dismukes said.
