Sorry about the posting delay everyone. Unfortunately Alex had some technical difficulties and couldn't send the blog yesterday. Thankfully, she was able to send it in today so without further ado here's Alex!
Hey everyone! I am Alex Durham, your National Vice President of Community Service! This year's National Outreach Project consist of 3 components! Share Our Strength is the fundraising opportunity, March of Dimes is the educational opportunity, and Soles4Souls is the onsite opportunity! If you visit each of these organizations' websites you will be able to find out a little more about them! We are asking that you fundraise for Share Our Strength, educate people about March of Dimes, and participate in the onsite opportunity at the 2012 National Leadership Meeting this summer in Orlando, Florida by bringing a pair of NEW or GENTLY used shoes to donate to the cause! I hope you FCCLA Lovers are kicking off your year with some awesome activities and projects!
To switch gears real quick, ill tell you a little bit about myself! I am 17 years old and go to a very small school in southern Arkansas! I am a huge Arkansas Razorback fan! Woo Pig Sooie! (win or lose) Haha. I have a rather large family, 4 brothers and 4 sisters to be exact! I have been a cheerleader for about 10 years, I love watching all sports. I enjoy hunting, going to the lake, and competeing in pageants! Maybe you'll know me as Miss Arkansas one day?! Haha. Just a dream. My life is pretty hectic and busy, but I enjoy the simple things in life and wouldn't have it any other way! I'm not gonna rattle on much longer, so if you would like to know more or have any questions about anything feel free to email me at adurham@fcclainc.org :) I encourage each and everyone of you to join in and make this a great year of helping others and making a difference!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
New Events/ Birthday Wishes
Hello again FCCLA! This is Jessica Pope, your Vice President of Competitive Events, and I am here to inform you and remind you of all the new competitive events going on this year at two of the three National Cluster Meetings.
We have decided this year to add new on site Skill Demonstration Events. These events will be hosted at Cluster Meeting in Denver, CO and Atlanta, GA. They include Culinary Food Art, Culinary Knife Skills, and Impromptu Speaking. Each of these events are individual events not team events. In order to compete in these skills demonstration events, you must register online when you register to attend the Cluster Meeting. Registrations are limited, so first-come first-served until the event is full. You must also have your national membership dues paid by November 1st.
Culinary Food Art you will showcase the best of participants’ creative and artistic skills in utilizing an assortment of food items to create an interesting food art item. Culinary Knife Skills will showcase the best of participants’ knife skills. Participants will produce six uniform pieces for each knife cut meeting industry standards and demonstrate proper safety and sanitation procedures. And lastly, Impromptu Speaking recognizes participants for their ability to address a topic relating to FCCLA and Family and Consumer Sciences without prior preparation. The ability to express one’s thoughts in an impromptu situation while maintaining poise, self-confidence, logical organization of point, and conversational speaking are important assets in family, career and community situations.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place event winners will each receive a trophy during the Closing General Session of the National Cluster Meeting they are attending. All participants will receive a certificate of participation. The top 10 participants in each event from both Cluster Meetings will be invited to compete head-to-head at the National Leadership Conference in Orlando!
We are all excited to see you and your amazing skills at Cluster Meeting! So register today and get in on all the new competitive experience that FCCLA is providing!
Thanks for sharing Jessica! We would also like to wish Ariana and Alex belated happy birthdays because they were never officially recognized on the blog. Since this is the NEC blog, it makes sense we send our best wishes to both of them. Happy Birthday!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
A Day That Will Never Be Forgotten
Everyone knows today is the anniversary of a very sad day in history for our country. In honor of those who lost their lives or family members we have Henry Sookram, FCCLA New York State President, to tell us about September 11, 2011 and what FCCLA did to help.
September 11, 2001 marked not only an ending, but it was also a beginning: it was the beginning of a show of unity, a show of spirit, and a show of strength. These same traits that became noticeable in our country are the same traits that have always been part of the FCCLA organization.
In January of 2002, the New York State association of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America showed their support to communities devastated by the tragic events of 9/11. Mrs. Dianne Mosher, along with two officer elects, Briana Dolan and Noelle Jones, took a trip that would soon change the lives of many. The three representatives of NYS FCCLA paved a path of leadership, as they delivered 100 pounds of Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses to emergency services personnel of Lower Manhattan, each bag with a personal note of gratitude. Along with this delivery, they were also able to visit Ground Zero, and leave some comfort at a nearby church, where other workers were stationed.
NYS FCCLA was joined by Wisconsin CTSOs, FCCLA included, to assist in the efforts of raising funds to replace needed equipment lost in the tragic events of 9/11. Mrs. Mosher, Jesuina, Noelle, Briana, Chris Tiffany, and other FCCLA members, traveled to New York City to present the proceeds from their joint efforts.
Ninety-seven FDNY vehicles were lost in the attacks of September 11. Although insurance and assistance from FEMA would only cover part of the funds needed to replace these emergency vehicles, Wisconsin CTSOs created a campaign to help in the funding. Ultimately, $130,000 was raised and presented.
This year, 2011, marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11. While FCCLA was able to show such support for all that were impacted by these historic events, we must also acknowledge the fact that efforts like these should be a continuous part of our lives.
On behalf of the New York State FCCLA, I wish for everyone to show unity, spirit, and strength in a time such as this, and our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted by the tragedy of September 11.
Henry Sookram
2011-2012 NYS FCCLA President,
and VP of Alumni and Associates.
September 11, 2001 marked not only an ending, but it was also a beginning: it was the beginning of a show of unity, a show of spirit, and a show of strength. These same traits that became noticeable in our country are the same traits that have always been part of the FCCLA organization.
In January of 2002, the New York State association of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America showed their support to communities devastated by the tragic events of 9/11. Mrs. Dianne Mosher, along with two officer elects, Briana Dolan and Noelle Jones, took a trip that would soon change the lives of many. The three representatives of NYS FCCLA paved a path of leadership, as they delivered 100 pounds of Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses to emergency services personnel of Lower Manhattan, each bag with a personal note of gratitude. Along with this delivery, they were also able to visit Ground Zero, and leave some comfort at a nearby church, where other workers were stationed.
NYS FCCLA was joined by Wisconsin CTSOs, FCCLA included, to assist in the efforts of raising funds to replace needed equipment lost in the tragic events of 9/11. Mrs. Mosher, Jesuina, Noelle, Briana, Chris Tiffany, and other FCCLA members, traveled to New York City to present the proceeds from their joint efforts.
Ninety-seven FDNY vehicles were lost in the attacks of September 11. Although insurance and assistance from FEMA would only cover part of the funds needed to replace these emergency vehicles, Wisconsin CTSOs created a campaign to help in the funding. Ultimately, $130,000 was raised and presented.
This year, 2011, marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11. While FCCLA was able to show such support for all that were impacted by these historic events, we must also acknowledge the fact that efforts like these should be a continuous part of our lives.
On behalf of the New York State FCCLA, I wish for everyone to show unity, spirit, and strength in a time such as this, and our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted by the tragedy of September 11.
Henry Sookram
2011-2012 NYS FCCLA President,
and VP of Alumni and Associates.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Meet Jessie/ Fundraising
Before we introduce Jessie Pratt, VP of Finance, I wanted to make sure that all of you are aware that the latest issue of Teen Times has been sent out. Be sure to read it and show it to your fellow chapter members. Now here's Jessie!!
Hi everybody! My name is Jessie Pratt and I am from Wisconsin. I'm more than honored to serve as your 2011-2012 National Vice President of Finance. So to do a brief introduction of myself; I have lived in southern Wisconsin my whole life, in a small Swiss village called New Glarus. Some fun facts you might enjoy about me is that I can ride a unicycle, I am a first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and I spent 3 weeks in Germany this past summer. I am also involved in Student Senate,Mock Trial,German American Partnership Program, National Honor Society,4-H, and Cross Country.
So now let's talk about something super fun! FUNdraising!! So, in today's world finding enough support to attend leadership conferences or give back to the community or an organization is not always easy. This past week we've been asking around for some great ideas from our very own members on how they boosted their chapter's checking accounts!
"We do Hot Chocolate Sales. We sell them for $1 and overall raised $1,000 and even had a press release!"
-Carl Archut Jr. New Jersey
"We sell Otis Spunkmeyer cookies. Kids love those ooey-gooey chocolatey cookies."
-Brian Will Virginia
"Ice Cream Social! $1 a scoop :) Toppings are complimentary. "
-Kyle Andrews Utah
"We duct taped our chapter president to the wall by the office at our school last year for Childrens' Miracle Network!...We asked people for $1 for each minute he was stuck up there."
-Hayley Ellis Iowa
Try looking into fundraising opportunities other than selling food like a carwash or a lip sync contest. Approach local businesses and ask if they'd be will to match the funds you've raised. You'd be surprised how much they would be willing to support you. The possibilities are endless with a little imagination! Keep us posted and feel free to send pictures, I'd love to hear all about your great ideas and successes! Good Luck!
Hi everybody! My name is Jessie Pratt and I am from Wisconsin. I'm more than honored to serve as your 2011-2012 National Vice President of Finance. So to do a brief introduction of myself; I have lived in southern Wisconsin my whole life, in a small Swiss village called New Glarus. Some fun facts you might enjoy about me is that I can ride a unicycle, I am a first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and I spent 3 weeks in Germany this past summer. I am also involved in Student Senate,Mock Trial,German American Partnership Program, National Honor Society,4-H, and Cross Country.
So now let's talk about something super fun! FUNdraising!! So, in today's world finding enough support to attend leadership conferences or give back to the community or an organization is not always easy. This past week we've been asking around for some great ideas from our very own members on how they boosted their chapter's checking accounts!
"We do Hot Chocolate Sales. We sell them for $1 and overall raised $1,000 and even had a press release!"
-Carl Archut Jr. New Jersey
"We sell Otis Spunkmeyer cookies. Kids love those ooey-gooey chocolatey cookies."
-Brian Will Virginia
"Ice Cream Social! $1 a scoop :) Toppings are complimentary. "
-Kyle Andrews Utah
"We duct taped our chapter president to the wall by the office at our school last year for Childrens' Miracle Network!...We asked people for $1 for each minute he was stuck up there."
-Hayley Ellis Iowa
Try looking into fundraising opportunities other than selling food like a carwash or a lip sync contest. Approach local businesses and ask if they'd be will to match the funds you've raised. You'd be surprised how much they would be willing to support you. The possibilities are endless with a little imagination! Keep us posted and feel free to send pictures, I'd love to hear all about your great ideas and successes! Good Luck!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Meet Hannah/ Lets Talk About Membership!
Hey guys I’m Hannah Wright from Nebraska! I am so honored to say that I am your 2011-2012 National VP of Membership, for all of you who don’t know I stand at 3’2”.
A little bit about me, I was born and raised in Neligh, Nebraska, population 1,600. My senior class has 30 kids and I know everyone’s parents all the way to their dog…it is a very small town! I am in FCCLA, FBLA, One Act, Speech, Dance, All School Play/Musical, Choir and many more activities. But, I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for FCCLA. I was born with Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Dwarfism. After I was out of my mom I was in an ambulance on my way to Omaha to the Children’s Hospital. The doctors prepared my parents for the worse and told them at best, I would live to be 6 months old…well did I prove them wrong! My parents raised me the same way they raised my older brother and sister--to my family nothing was different with me, I was just short. Later on in 2003 my mom was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She kicked some major cancer butt and came out stronger than before. She is my super mom and my hero. When we all thought our lives would finally become normal we found out my grandpa had colon cancer. On July 7th, 2007 he lost his battle and it shook my family--that was year I joined FCCLA. I started out a shy 8th grader not really knowing what to do and was asked to be the Freshman District Creed speaker. I nervously agreed and wrote a speech about my life so far. The day came and I said my speech in front of 600 of my peers, when I was done I looked up and saw my fellow FCCLA’ers with tears in their eyes and then they stood up and gave me a standing ovation. After that I was running for the Peer Education Team, State Officer, and National Officer. FCCLA has taught me to take my past experiences and show others it doesn’t matter your history, you can achieve your dreams if you are willing to work at them.
So FCCLA, here we are! As VP of Membership it is my job to give you some ideas to help recruit members. I asked some members to see what they do in their chapters…
“Scholarships! Those seniors need all the scholarships they can get! My chapter gives away 3 scholarships each year to active members. It really helps increase active members!” –Justin Hess Virginia
“Go to talk to local schools that don’t have FCCLA but have FACS classes! Inform the students about the benefits of FCCLA, what we do, and why we are in it! Of course don’t forget to inform the Administration and the FACS teacher(s)!” –Patrick Colgan Nebraska
“My chapter has a lock-in for underclassmen to teach them about FCCLA with games, food, and an overnight stay at the school” –Kali Lenhoff Nebraska
“Go talk to those who are eligible to join FCCLA in a year or two! Play games and give presentations on what you do in FCCLA and why it’s so amazing!” –Rose Haugen North Dakota
Don’t forget to Recruit, Retain, and Recognize! To find more ways to get members go to www.fcclainc.org and look under the Membership tab where you can find many resources to help you out!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
August Meeting in Review
This week from Wednesday August 17th through today, we have been trying to plan a strong, dynamic year for all of you members. Our lips are definitely sealed on certain details, but we can share a few things.
First of all, we have definitely bonded much stronger as a group. This allowed us to bounce ideas off of each other much easier and create out of this world ideas. We learned about all the new opportunities that will be provided to the members and discussed how to promote these and make them reach their greatest potential. We drafted our Program of Work which states the guidelines we will use to try and grow the organization. I'm not sure if anyone in this council has ever focused so much on the wording of a sentence. Our goal was to clearly state what benefits we want to give to the members and how we are going to get you those benefits.
Then came the fun parts. We have officially decided our theme for the 2012 National Leadership Conference!!!!!! We are so excited to unvail it to everyone AT CLUSTERS!! Until then you will have to wait in anticipation because like I said before, we've got that theme under lock and key for now. We also created the skits for the National Cluster Meeting. These will not be shared till clusters either!!! We can't wait to surprise and inspire every single member. If it makes you feel any better we can announce the officers that are going to each cluster meeting:
Denver- Ariana Lake
Tori Coates
Kristy Paquette
Alex Durham
Miguel Astello
Minnesota & Atlanta- Kaylen Larson
Jessica Pope
Hannah Wright
Jessie Pratt
Kelcie Sturgeon
Now more than ever before I think we can all agree that we are truly honored to represent the FCCLA members while making these decisions and serving as your 2011-2012 National Executive Council.
First of all, we have definitely bonded much stronger as a group. This allowed us to bounce ideas off of each other much easier and create out of this world ideas. We learned about all the new opportunities that will be provided to the members and discussed how to promote these and make them reach their greatest potential. We drafted our Program of Work which states the guidelines we will use to try and grow the organization. I'm not sure if anyone in this council has ever focused so much on the wording of a sentence. Our goal was to clearly state what benefits we want to give to the members and how we are going to get you those benefits.
Then came the fun parts. We have officially decided our theme for the 2012 National Leadership Conference!!!!!! We are so excited to unvail it to everyone AT CLUSTERS!! Until then you will have to wait in anticipation because like I said before, we've got that theme under lock and key for now. We also created the skits for the National Cluster Meeting. These will not be shared till clusters either!!! We can't wait to surprise and inspire every single member. If it makes you feel any better we can announce the officers that are going to each cluster meeting:
Denver- Ariana Lake
Tori Coates
Kristy Paquette
Alex Durham
Miguel Astello
Minnesota & Atlanta- Kaylen Larson
Jessica Pope
Hannah Wright
Jessie Pratt
Kelcie Sturgeon
Now more than ever before I think we can all agree that we are truly honored to represent the FCCLA members while making these decisions and serving as your 2011-2012 National Executive Council.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Meet Kelcie Sturgeon
Once again congratulations to all the competitive events participants. Keep up the good work and we hope to see you next year in Orlando! The next officer we'd like to introduce is Kelcie Sturgeon, the VP of Parlimentary Procedure. Take it away Kelcie!!
Why hello all you amazing people! My name is Kelcie Sturgeon from West Virginia and I am proud to announce that I am your 2011-2012 National Vice-President of Parliamentary Law! Wow. That sounds so weird to say. I still can’t process it enough that I am a National Officer. Every day it sets in a little more. I think it’ll finally hit me at Clusters when I get to speak in front of the finest members around. YOU. I can’t seem to thank you guys enough. The members are what make this organization amazing.
I can’t even begin to fathom where FCCLA has taken me. I started out in 6th grade in my Home Economics class where I was introduced to my middle school FACS teacher, Mrs. McBee. Because of her, I am standing where I am today.
As soon as I saw the eight officers in those red blazers at my first State Leadership Conference, I knew that is exactly what I wanted to do. Eventually I ran for state office and I was elected the 2008-2009 Vice-President of Public Relations and Community Service (Mouth Full). Again, I am so truly blessed as West Virginia doesn’t have a limit on how many times you can run for office (Probably because we’re so tiny). Anyways, the next year I was elected 2009-2010 First Vice-President. The next two years I was elected 2010-2012 State President. After being elected, State President for my second term I decided to start filling out the application to be a National Officer Candidate. That was the hardest part out of the entire process. But look where I am, a National Officer. Very Awesome feeling to say that. In case you were wondering, I did have to give up my position as State President, but I’m not complaining too much! Haha!
I live in Morgantown, West Virginia, HOME OF THE MOUNTAINEERS! I am so proud to live in WV.Some of my favorite things include singing in and out of the shower, acting, speaking in front of large crowds, hanging with my friends, and shopping. My favorite book is now Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. My favorite color is green. My favorite kind of music would have to be Alternative, Rock, Country, and Pop. I really like to paint but hate to draw. Everything about me is spontaneous. I love being loud and energetic. I am a fun person to be around who will always make you smile! When I graduate from high school, I will attend a University where I will get my masters in Political Science where maybe one day I can run for an real office. I hope one day I will get to intern at the White House, where that is one of my big dreams!
I am so truly blessed right now; I am unable to put it into words. I can already see great things happening this year. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to email or Facebook me. All my information is on the national website, fcclainc.org. I want to hear from YOU! And trust me, you will be hearing a lot from me!
Why hello all you amazing people! My name is Kelcie Sturgeon from West Virginia and I am proud to announce that I am your 2011-2012 National Vice-President of Parliamentary Law! Wow. That sounds so weird to say. I still can’t process it enough that I am a National Officer. Every day it sets in a little more. I think it’ll finally hit me at Clusters when I get to speak in front of the finest members around. YOU. I can’t seem to thank you guys enough. The members are what make this organization amazing.
I can’t even begin to fathom where FCCLA has taken me. I started out in 6th grade in my Home Economics class where I was introduced to my middle school FACS teacher, Mrs. McBee. Because of her, I am standing where I am today.
As soon as I saw the eight officers in those red blazers at my first State Leadership Conference, I knew that is exactly what I wanted to do. Eventually I ran for state office and I was elected the 2008-2009 Vice-President of Public Relations and Community Service (Mouth Full). Again, I am so truly blessed as West Virginia doesn’t have a limit on how many times you can run for office (Probably because we’re so tiny). Anyways, the next year I was elected 2009-2010 First Vice-President. The next two years I was elected 2010-2012 State President. After being elected, State President for my second term I decided to start filling out the application to be a National Officer Candidate. That was the hardest part out of the entire process. But look where I am, a National Officer. Very Awesome feeling to say that. In case you were wondering, I did have to give up my position as State President, but I’m not complaining too much! Haha!
I live in Morgantown, West Virginia, HOME OF THE MOUNTAINEERS! I am so proud to live in WV.Some of my favorite things include singing in and out of the shower, acting, speaking in front of large crowds, hanging with my friends, and shopping. My favorite book is now Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. My favorite color is green. My favorite kind of music would have to be Alternative, Rock, Country, and Pop. I really like to paint but hate to draw. Everything about me is spontaneous. I love being loud and energetic. I am a fun person to be around who will always make you smile! When I graduate from high school, I will attend a University where I will get my masters in Political Science where maybe one day I can run for an real office. I hope one day I will get to intern at the White House, where that is one of my big dreams!
I am so truly blessed right now; I am unable to put it into words. I can already see great things happening this year. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to email or Facebook me. All my information is on the national website, fcclainc.org. I want to hear from YOU! And trust me, you will be hearing a lot from me!
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