Devine FCCLA made history at the Region V FCCLA Conference in Corpus Christi on Jan. 26-28. Every single Star Event team and Region Officer Candidate has advanced to the State Competition.

“I think that all teams advancing is very awesome,” FCCLA Advisor Madeline Steubing said. “The students worked many hours on their projects and had determination to succeed. I’m very proud of their accomplishments.”

Amy Bailey and Charlize Benavidez tried out for Region V Officer positions. This try out process includes a one-minute speech and two questions that they have to answer. Bailey earned the spot VP of Projects and Benavidez holds the spot of VP of Records.

“My new position requires me to work with two other vice presidents and come up with new things for the FCCLA website,” Bailey said. “I’m super excited for all of the new memories and fun things ahead.”

Four Star Event teams earned gold by placing first within their category. Jamie Stein, who competed in Entrepreneurship with her project titled,  “Dry Bones Alive Foundation,” will be advancing to State after placing first.

“Jamie has a heart of gold,” Mrs. Steubing said. “She developed a business plan for her future non-profit business that she plans to open and gained a lot of skills that she will use in the future.”

Andrew De la Garza, Hailey Wells, and Emilie Dudley will be taking their project, “Disable the Label”, to State after placing first in their category, Illustrated Talk.

“It was my first year competing in a Star Event,” Dudley said. “I’m super excited for our placing and heading to State.”

Kaesyn Mann and Emily Cardenas informed people about how to be prepared with natural disasters with their project, “Being Prepared is Cool”.

Out of their category, Environmental Ambassador, they took first and have advanced to state.

“We informed people about different kits to use to be prepared in all situations,” Mann said. “I can’t wait for State, and I feel we will do very well.”

Cassidee Wood and Amanda Richardson were the final team who took gold in their category, Interpersonal Communication, with their project, “Social Media Safety and Professionalism”.

“The girls’ project informed students about social media safety and the dangers that it can impose,” Mrs. Steubing said. “I think the students gained a lot of information that will benefit them in the future.”

A Chapter Service project lead by Emily and Abby Kohlleppel placed second. Their project was called, “Unplug and Engage”.  They taught social skills and encouraged students to unplug from their device and make new friends or get to know someone better.

“I’m really excited that my sister and I get the opportunity to advance to Nationals for the second time,” Emily said.  “Our project impacts the youth greatly by encouraging them to disconnect from their electronics and focus on family time while learning social skills.”

Tobias Ramos and Lydia Zapata placed fifth in the National Programs category with their project entitled, “What Teens Should Know About Alcohol.”

“Our project was about the consequences that drinking has on teens and their family,” Ramos said. “I’m excited about advancing to the state meet, especially since this is my first year competing in Star Events.”

The last Star Event team advancing to State was a Chapter in Review project by Caimee Fowler, Rebecca Fowler and Kiana Monreal. Their team placed sixth in their category.

“Advancing to State is exciting because we have worked hard and advancing shows that our hard work definitely paid off,” Fowler said.

Ms. Emily Cunningham, an advisor for the Devine FCCLA Chapter, was also recognized during the award ceremony. Ms. Cunningham was awarded with an Honorary Membership award.

“I have been a part of FCCLA since I was in high school,” Ms. Cunningham said. “Receiving the award confirmed my choice of continuing my participation in FCCLA and becoming a FCS teacher and FCCLA advisor.”

Devine was also recognized for collecting the most gently used books at the award ceremony. The books are going to be donated to the Ronald McDonald Foundation in Corpus Christi. With the help of many high school students, the Devine FCCLA Chapter donated 300 books.

“After the representative from the Ronald McDonald house spoke, I immediately felt the need to serve their organization even more,” Mrs. Steubing said. “Once we received the award, I was ecstatic. Devine did a wonderful job collecting books that would bring smiles to many kids faces.”

The FCCLA State Conference will be held in Dallas on April 6 – 8. Every Star Event team and Region Officer will be representing Region V and compete for the chance to make it to the National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

“I’m very confident in the teams advancing,” Ms. Cunningham said. “We’ve worked extremely hard and have put in tons of time that I’m hoping will be rewarded greatly.”