Haywood High School Career and Technical teacher Mrs. Denita Jarratt, a FCCLA advisor, along with three of her students, Jada Brooks, Amber Harris, and Adara Donald, attended the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) 70th Annual National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas, July 6-11.

Jada Brooks and Amber Harris represented Haywood High School in the Life Event Planning, Senior competition, where they earned a gold medal. Mrs. Denita Jarratt was extremely proud of them for the hard work and dedication it took for them to achieve this level.

While there, Adara, Jada and Amber participated in the FCCLA Leadership Academy which is a series of leadership trainings that allow students to customize their leadership development journey by choosing courses that fit their needs and interests.

Mrs. Jarratt was also recognized as a Master Adviser. The Master Adviser program recognizes advisers who have been successful in leading an FCCLA chapter for at least three years. These advisers promote the organization, operate an integrated chapter with a balanced program of work, and facilitate youth-centered activities while keeping abreast of the issues in their field.  Being an effective adviser takes special skills and a tremendous commitment of time and energy. Exceptional advisers motivate their chapters to take advantage of opportunities beyond the local level, use a wide variety of resources available to them, and encourage student involvement.

The National Leadership Conference provided opportunities for students and advisers to come together for fun and to listen to inspiring speakers, as well as to expand their leadership skills, sharpen their talents and explore possible career pathways. The theme of this year’s conference was “SOAR” and attendees were challenged to go beyond what was expected of them to make lasting, positive impressions in their families, schools and communities.

FCCLA offers over 30 Family and Consumer Sciences related events, also known as STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) events.   Members compete at the District, State and National level. This year, over 4,200 STAR Event participants competed in San Antonio, the largest number of competitors at any National STAR Events competition!