Humboldt High School’s Family Career and Community Leaders of America have attained a notable feat, having 10 nationally qualifying Students Taking Action with Recognition Event projects.
“This is a record-breaking number for our small town and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students. Our first-ever national qualifier was only two years ago, in 2023,” said FCCLA Adviser Jodee Nickell.
These 10 qualifying students will attend the National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, July 5-9.
Nickell said she is in her third year of leading FCCLA.
“Students benefit from being in FCCLA through community service and competitive events opportunities,” Nickell said. “FCCLA focuses on all things family, career, and community; skills everyone needs in life.”
Nickell said participating in the club provides life skills, and prepares students for a wide variety of careers, including by not limited to education, hospitality, health, and human services.
“FCCLA also promotes leadership through student-led projects, such as STAR Events,” Nickell said. “Ultimately, these programs promote the well-being of individuals and families, helping students become well-rounded and ready for the world we live in.
Brystal Hudlin, an HHS freshman, said she enjoys getting to make a positive impact on her community through FCCLA. She qualified for nationals with a project in the leadership category.
“It included reading a leadership book, reflecting on my own leadership strengths and weaknesses, asking for outsider perspectives, and more. At the end I had to create a portfolio and a 10-minute speech,” Hudlin said. “The hardest part was getting everything finished on time. It is hard because it is another thing to do on top of school work and rubrics are very detailed. You have to do everything just exactly right to receive high points.”
Hudlin also serves the club as a Vice President of Competitive Events and said through her FCCLA experiences she has learned about leadership, time management, communication, and teamwork.
“I am most excited for the experience and the opportunity to compete among other student leaders at the national level and the memories I will make with my peers,” Hudlin said.
The qualifying students and their events are as follows: Thatcher Mueller and Jack Works, Level 2, Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation; Carlie Weilert and Addy Borjas, Level 2, Event Management; Sydnea Bumstead and Cassidy Friend, Level 3, Event Management; Kinley Hart and Hadley Galloway, Level 2, Chapter Website Design; and Brystal Hudlin, Level 2, Leadership.
Jo Ellison will also attend to receive training for her role as District H president.
To raise funds for Nationals, Humboldt FCCLA is having several fundraisers, offering to take and bake dishes and wash windows.
May 4 will be the next window washing day, with a suggested donation of $25 per house.
Take-and-bake meals can be picked up for $25 a meal, which feeds 4-6 people. On May 2, the meal offered is ricotta stuffed shells; on May 9, regular or southwestern breakfast burritos; and on May 16, verde chicken enchiladas.
To reserve a spot or order a meal, contact Jodee Nickell by emailing [email protected] or by calling 620473-2251 during school hours.
