Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) brought more than 7,700 of its student leaders, members and advisers to Washington, D.C., July 4-9 to participate in its National Leadership Conference. Mrs. Denita Jarratt, Adara Donald and Caitlyn Thompson represented the Haywood FCCLA chapter.

The conference provided opportunities for students and advisers to come together for fun and to listen to inspiring speakers, as well as to expand leadership skills, sharpen talents and explore career pathways. The theme of this year’s conference was “Together We Are Healthy” and attendees were challenged to explore the fitness of body, mind and spirit that is a product of healthy attitudes and habits; and to pursue this whole health through the conference’s great learning and networking opportunities.

A definite highlight of the conference was a youth rally held on Capitol Hill for the dual purpose of celebrating the organization’s 70th anniversary and advocating for strong Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) education in schools. Themed, “70 Years Strong,” the event drew more than 3,000 FCCLA members and bathed the Capitol grounds in a sea of FCCLA red. After the rally, members moved into the Capitol to meet personally with their Congressional representatives to share their stories of how FACS education has impacted them.

In addition to the many learning and networking experiences offered at the conference, more than 4000 students participated in the competitive events, also known as STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events. Adara and Cate competed in the National Programs in Action, Sr., category with the STOP the Violence campaign. They received a silver medal.