Good News In Schools

Forest Park, Georgia Youth from the G. P. Babb Middle School chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA ) recently participated in a weekend leadership conference held March 18 – 20, 2010 a the Classic Center, in Athens, GA. Attendees participated in a weekend of competitions, a Career & Trade Expo, UGA Tours, Educational Demonstrations, Competitions, and sessions that challenged, informed and motivated members and their advisers with the theme “Beyond the Label”. Along with other advisers and members from across the state, Babb Middle School’s FCCLA chapter adviser, Lillian Mitchell, accompanied nine members to the meeting.

The “Beyond the Label” theme was reinforced by Thursday’s powerful Opening General Session, where meeting attendees experienced an exciting multi-media presentation and geared up fro a variety of leadership training opportunities offered throughout the weekend. Special highlights of the Opening Session included a dramatic presentation by the State Officers and State Youth Leadership Board and the Helping Hands Community Service Effort during which chapters made contributions to the Children’s Miracle Network. Babb Middle School made a $100.00 contribution to the Children’s Miracle Network during the Opening Session. Nationally known keynote speaker, Michael Pritchard, challenged members and advisers t take advantage of their opportunities as an individual and teal leader.

Regional Meetings were held immediately after the Opening Session on Thursday Evening and featured speeches by candidates for State Office and recognition of chapters and members. Babb Middle School student Dominick Harris presented a speech to the middle school delegates. His speech was entitle, “How Has 65 Years of FCCLA Influenced Leadership and Beyond”. Following his speech the middle level delegates elected Dominick Harris as the next Middle Level Representative to the Georgia FCCLA Executive Council. Babb Middle School FCCLA Chapter received the Honor Roll with Distinction award. Babb Middle School was one of 12 FCCLA Chapters that received this honor in the state, and the only Middle School chapter that receive this honor. The evening ended with a late night dance-a-thon hosted by the Georgia FCCLA Foundation where students and advisers could get to know others from around the state.

On Friday STAR Events competitions were held in twenty-two areas showcasing proficiency and achievements of members. Students and advisers got to experience the 2nd FCCLA Care & Trade Expo on Friday as well. The Career & Trade Expo featured exhibitors from colleges, fundraisers, business and industry associated with Family and Consumer Sciences, Culinary, and Education. Students got to watch Demonstrations by ABAC, GA Southwestern University, and The Art Institutes. On Friday evening, a reception was held to honor administrators, special guests, award winners and former chapter advisers. Alumni and Associates members and graduating seniors were also invites. The Business/Recognition Session featured the award of Honorary Memberships and awards to adults and the presentation of scholarships to members. Two of Clayton County Public Schools personnel received Georgia FCCLA Honorary Membership. Mrs. Evaline Thompson, Babb Middle School Special Educations Paraprofessional, and Ms. Harriett Norman Substitute Teacher and parent of Rosetta Norman, senior at North Clayton High School. They were recognized for the volunteer services rendered to FCCLA at the local, state and national levels.

2009-2010 State Council issued challenges to the members and the 2010–2011 State Officers when they were announced. The keynote speaker was National Vice President of Community Service Jessica Hagood. Following the Session delegates enjoyed a Star Struck themed gala.

Saturday began early as chapters shared ideas at the Spotlight on Projects Walk-Through showcasing outstanding individual and chapter projects. Chapter Advisers enjoyed a special meeting and breakfast hosted by ABAC. Saturday’s STAR Events Session concluded with the announcement of the STAR Events winners and the induction of the 2010-2011 State officers. Babb Middle School had students compete in three of the twenty-two events.

Ann Tran and Nicholas Richardson competed in Applied Technology Jr. They won a Silver Medal in the presentation entitled, Babb FCCLA Motivates Students to Make Healthy Food Choices. Ann and Nicholas addressed the fact that 33 % of teenage students in the state of Georgia are obese. They were inspired to encourage students to learn not only about obesity, but also how to prevent and stop themselves from suffering from obesity. They proposed that students should eat more fresh fruit and vegetables; and that students whose parents grow their own food are more likely to eat more fresh fruit and vegetable.

Devante Hughes competed in Illustrated Talk, Jr. His creative speech was entitled, “Teens and Gun Don’t Mix! Babb FCCLA Goes Beyond the Label by Alerting Teens Against Self-destruction Due to Gun Violence”. Devante portrayed the role of an Emergency Room Doctor who was disturbed by the number of youth that enter the emergency room injured or dead on the scene due to improper use of firearms. Devante earned a Silver Medal in this event. Devante said he was motivated to prepare a speech to warn teens against gun use because he has had several family members who were victims of gun violence.

Jamanah Waters competed in the Recycle and Redesign Jr. event. Jamanah took two old demim skirts and redesigned one into a fashionable vest, and the other to coordinate the vest. Jamanah conducted extensive research on recycling and learned that textiles are one of the easiest items in our homes that we can reuse, recycle and/or redesign. She said that it is a shame to fill our land fields with unwanted clothes when we can recycle and redesign them. Jamanah earned a Silver Medal in this event.

The projects done by FCCLA members for their STAR Events are rigorous and in-depth projects. Students must integrate academic subjects such as math, science, languages arts and social students. They are commended for their willingness to compete in STAR Events and for the outstanding way they represented themselves, Babb Middle School and Clayton County Public Schools. These students are working to raise funds so that they can attend the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Chicago, Illinois. July 3 – 8, 2010.

There they will celebrate 65 Years of Leadership and attend some stellar workshops, participate in career explorations, take part in officer trainings, and get motivated by the best speakers and general sessions on the planet!

Georgia FCCLA Middle Level Representative Dominick Harris and the other students

FCCLA is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education. The organization has nearly 230,000 members from 53 states associations, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Since its founding in 1945, FCCLA has involved more than nine million youth.

FCCLA is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members. It is the only in-school organization with the family as its central focus. Participation in national programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families’ careers and communities.

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