The air was heavy with anticipation and excitement as the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) gathered in Birmingham, Alabama, for their much-anticipated National Fall Conference. This annual event is fundamental to FCCLA’s purpose of empowering adolescents to become leaders in their families, workplaces, and communities. The 2023 conference in Birmingham was a transformative experience for attendees, giving a platform for personal growth, skill development, and community building.
FCCLA chapter advisor Ahren Wagner: “This is a fall conference for the entire nation…It’s kind of an introductory to FCCLA and all the activities and projects for the year…”
The variety of workshops and skill-building sessions was one of the highlights of the FCCLA National Fall Conference. Attendees were able to participate in hands-on activities, engaging conversations, and immersive experiences aimed at improving their leadership abilities.
When asked about some of the things that go on during these conferences, Wagner said: “There are team workshops, there are big general sessions, there are networking sessions, and then the competitive events.”
The National Fall Conference closed with a big celebration honoring FCCLA members’ accomplishments and highlighting the great projects and initiatives carried out during the event. Outstanding people and chapters were honored for their commitment to leadership, service, and community impact. Winners from Highlands included:
1st place: Katliyn Dixon (Sophomore) – ECE Challenge Test
1st place: Penelope Kolb (Sophomore) – ID challenge
1st place: Lucy Kovanda (Sophomore) – Fashion Construction and Design Challenge
1st place: Sophia Zahner (Sophomore) – Consumer Math Challenge
1st place: Lydia Richter (Senior) – Edu. and Training Challenge
2nd place: Cydni Martin (Sophomore) – Nutrition Challenge
3rd place: Addyson Eifert (Sophomore) – Culinary Knife Skills
3rd place: Lainey Wagner (Freshman) – Consumer Math
The 2023 National Fall Conference in Birmingham, Alabama, was a huge success. FCCLA’s commitment to creating the next generation of leaders and giving them the tools and motivation they need to make a difference in their homes, careers, and communities was highlighted during the event. Attendees departed Birmingham with not only new skills and knowledge but also a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to leadership everywhere.