Approximately 1,300 delegates from 105 chapters attended the Nebraska Family, Career and Community Leaders of America State Leadership Conference April 11-13 in Lincoln, NE. FCCLA is an organization of family and consumer sciences students and it is the only youth lead organization with Family as its focus.
The theme of the 2010 Conference was “FCCLA, the CLUE to your future”—CLUE was an acronym for Creative Leaders Using Education. Attending from Elgin were officers for the 2010-2011 school year: Michelle Bauer – President, Jessica Heithoff-Vice President, Allen Miller – District Rep and Ashley Bode – News Reporter. They were accompanied by adviser Barb Bode.
The students attended the opening general session on Monday as well as leadership sessions on Tuesday. Session presenters included Bill Cordes, “YOGOWYPI” (You Only Get Out What You Put In). Christopher Brockhoft, the National President presented Clues to Leadership informing students on what to focus on while writing their speeches when running for an office. Tyler Gassaway, a DECA Alum, presented the session ATTACK-A-TUDE, helping students develop Positive Attitudes. CW4 Teresa Domeier from the Nebraska National Guard Food Service Program informed students on how they prepare food for up to 7000 soldiers in the field. Carson Fitzgerald, from Kearney, presented “Understanding Driver Risk.” This session tied in with the FCCLA program FACTS, Families Acting for Community Traffic Safety. Kristina Debus, Miss Teen South Dakota, presented “Who Did It/ Where? With What?” This session gave students tips on image, answering questions, and giving speeches during interviews. Tammie Fischer, the Director of UNL Center for Economic Education taught the students songs, games, and presented other ideas to teach elementary students financial fitness.
Many other sessions were presented by the state officers on how to be a leader in the office they were elected. Advisers had the opportunity to get ideas from Kris Brockhoft, the FCS teacher at Winner, South Dakota and mother of the FCCLA National President.
