Three Forks FCCLA Students Attend Leadership Conference in Bozeman

The ProStart Culinary and Management competitions took place at the Montana ProStart Invitational at Gallatin College, with Jordan Berg, Zoe Pyfer, Sadie Dell, and Keith Gottlob among the participants. Additionally, Tommi Kirwan, Anna Dabling, Danni Kober, Violet Donnelly, Aislynn Gifford, Teegan Gifford, and Branna Moore represented the Three Forks Chapter in the STAR Event Competitions. The Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapters from various parts of Montana convened at the 2024 State Leadership Conference (SLC) in Bozeman on the same dates. This event attracted over 575 members, advisers, and supporters, offering opportunities for personal development, career exploration, and community service. The conference was made possible thanks to sponsorship from the Montana State University College of Education, Health, and Human Development.

The Montana Department of Transportation presented the Vision Zero awards during the conference, recognizing chapters that implemented projects aimed at reducing traffic fatalities among teens. MDT grants facilitated the development of these projects, and cash prizes were awarded to the top three applicants. Three Forks secured the first place award for Vision Zero with their project, "Let's Talk about Traffic Safety," which involved presentations from organizations such as the Montana Highway Patrol, Drive Safe Missoula, Gallatin County DUI Task Force, and Prevention. Additionally, Blue Cross Blue Shield funded local chapter grants for outreach projects through FCCLA's Financial Fitness National Program and awarded cash prizes to the top three applicants.

During the conference, students participated in career-focused Skill Demonstration Events, testing their knowledge in areas such as personal finance, consumer responsibilities, technology, health, and safety. The STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events provided a platform for students to showcase their achievements in career development, community service, and personal growth. These events also featured student projects in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) content areas, including child development, nutrition and wellness, personal finance, fashion design, interior design, and career development. Notably, Tommi Kirwan, Anna Dabling, Danni Kober, Aislynn Gifford, Branna Moore, Violet Donnelly, and Teegan Gifford from Three Forks excelled in various STAR Events, qualifying to compete at the National Leadership Meeting in Seattle from June 29th to July 3rd.

About FCCLA

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective student-led nation-based organization supporting youth on their journey to become the leaders of tomorrow and helping them address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has over 200,000 members and more than 4,900 chapters from 47 state associations and Puerto Rico.

FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members. It is the only career and technical intracurricular student organization with a central focus on careers that support families. Participation in national FCCLA programs and chapter activities aids members in becoming strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.