Shayla Jacobsen earned her third qualifying trip to the FCCLA National STAR Competition last week while attending the FCCLA State Leadership Conference.
Jacobsen received a gold medal and was announced Champion in Job Interview at the STAR Awards Ceremony on Tuesday. She will compete at nationals which will be held in Denver, Colorado, July 1-6.
The 2023 State Leadership Conference was held April 2-4 in the Lincoln Haymarket area with nearly 1,100 students and advisers from 90 Nebraska schools attending to grow their leadership skills, celebrate their accomplishments from the past year, and prepare for their future careers. Attending from Plainview were Marque Albin, Baili Prewitt, Shayla Jacobsen, and Adviser Ronita Jacobsen.
The FCCLA Conference began Sunday with member registration and opening session. A Parade of Chapters was held during Opening Session. 2023-24 District Officer Marque Albin carried the Plainview Chapter banner across the stage in representation. The keynote speaker was Melvin Adams. His message focused on resilience and never letting one’s circumstances prevent them achieving their dreams.
Monday was a busy day as STAR Competitions were held and members participated in tours and attending sessions and trainings. Shayla Jacobsen had her STAR Competitors orientation at 8 am and then competed in the STAR Job Interview at 9:40 am. STAR Results and Awards were announced Tuesday morning during the STAR Awards Session. “At the start of the year, she set a goal of qualifying for state and nationals. She’s been working towards this all year. I’m proud of her for all the work and time she has put in to accomplish this.” stated adviser Ronita Jacobsen.
Monday morning kept the members busy with competition, fairs, tours, and sessions. Baili Prewitt attended her morning sessions and Jacobsen competed in her STAR competition.
Marque Albin had the opportunity to tour HUDL. “HUDL would be an amazing place to work. The work environment is fun, relaxing, and supportive. There are so many benefits to working there and a new childcare program is starting up soon.” stated Albin.
All members took advantage of the Opportunity and Career Fair that morning to visit with college representatives and organizations. While at the fair, students enjoyed visiting with college representatives and learning more about their colleges and programs. Students also learned about fundraising options and various programs of student interest.
Following the fair, Voting Delegate Baili Prewitt attend the Voting Delegate Session. She listened to the State Officer Candidate speeches, responses to thought questions, and watched the candidates complete a “Fishbowl Activity”. All members attended the business session later that afternoon. During that evening’s Business and Recognition Session, Baili cast the chapter’s voting ballot.
In addition to attending sessions, Albin and Jacobsen were able to take a tour of Memorial Stadium on Monday. They were excited to have the opportunity to explore the stadium. Some of their highlights were being able to walk through the tunnel, go on the field, throw a few passes, see some of the players, and sit in the signing chair the volleyball players sit in.
During Monday night’s Award’s Session, the Plainview Chapter was awarded the Chapter Award-Gold Star Plaque, which is the highest rating available for chapters. The award reflects FCCLA members’ Program of Work for the current school year. To earn this award, members set realistic goals for themselves and conduct a balanced chapter program of work that is related to the family and consumer sciences program.
The chapter had 12 specific tasks they needed to complete and document in the following areas: Membership, Leadership, Competitive Events/Programs, and Promoting FCCLA. The chapter was also recognized for completing a Feed Nebraska project. The Plainview Chapter and worked to collect food for the Plainview Food Pantry twice this past school year.
Tuesday morning, Marque Albin, next year’s district officer, attended the District Officer Meeting and the District Officer Training. During these meetings, she was informed of the district representative’s responsibilities and collaborated with others on ideas for the District Leadership Conference to be held October 18th. Albin will run for a specific district office at the District 8 Officer Meeting, which will be held May 4.
During this time, chapter members met with the rest of District 8 members for several group activities. Tuesday concluded with the STAR Awards Ceremony and Closing Session.
Shayla Jacobsen with her STAR award