Stanton FCCLA has a top hit in Nashville, Tenn.

July 12-16 marked the dates of the 2009 National FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) Leadership Conference held in Nashville, Tenn. The FCCLA was represented by Kara Allen, Roey Sink and Regan Anderson along with advisor Sherry Vogel. The theme of the meeting was “Beyond the Label”.

Members and guests had a few days to have some fun with trips to the Opry Mills Outlet Mall and Rainforest Café. The group also enjoyed a fun trip on the General Jackson Showboat, an evening at the Grand Ole Opry and a swingin’ good time at the Wildhorse for FCCLA members.

The members attended many sessions and exhibits and learned lots of new leadership skills. The members also heard speeches from those students across the country running for national FCCLA office. The opening session event had over 5,500 members and advisors in attendance. The keynote speaker was Sgt. Ken Weichert. Weichert was a six time solider of the year, a master fitness trainer and a veteran of Operations Freedom and Desert Storm. Weichert now helps soldiers with START Fitness, a group exercise and hiking business that delivers military style workouts to soldiers and civilians since 1998. Weichert produces fitness programs for GX and HOOAH magazines.

Students also attended breakout sessions dealing with nutrition, community service, financial fitness and careers.

The Stanton FCCLA chapter was honored to represent Stanton and the state of Iowa in the Chapter Service Junior Manual STAR Event. The group presented their project on Breast Cancer Awareness, entitled “Strength, Hope, Faith and Courage.” The girls received one of the highest scores in the competition with a 99.6 average, a gold medal.