By 1812Blockhouse
Ontario Middle School (OMS) is celebrating a significant achievement this spring as its Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Parliamentary Procedure team clinched a silver medal at the state level. After months of diligent practice, performing opening and closing ceremonies, and mastering the intricacies of parliamentary procedure, the team now has the honor of representing Ohio at the National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Seattle, WA, from June 29 to July 3, 2024.
The Team Behind the Triumph
The OMS FCCLA team, consisting of seven dedicated students, has made history by advancing beyond districts for the first time. The team members are Aadi Kigthtlinger, Haylee Breitinger, Olivia Sandwall, Alex McAleer, Leah Bonen, Kennedy Sapp, and Gia Gfrer. Their journey to the nationals is a testament to their hard work and commitment.
In a photograph from their state victory, the team stands proudly with two state officers, reflecting the pride and excitement of their achievement. Their advisor, Robin Owen, expressed her immense pride:
“We are so proud of these girls and the effort they have put in to make it this far in the competition. This is a rare opportunity for middle school students to travel across the country to not only represent their school, but also the state of Ohio.”
What Awaits at the National Leadership Conference
The FCCLA National Leadership Conference is a prestigious event that gathers over 8,000 attendees, including more than 6,500 middle and high school students, and 1,500 educators. The conference offers a unique platform for students to enhance their leadership skills, participate in various workshops, and connect with peers from across the nation. Competing in their category, the OMS team will face off against the best from other states, aiming to make Ohio proud.
For more information about FCCLA’s National Leadership Conference, visit FCCLA.
Rallying Community Support
Preparing for a national event entails significant expenses, including registration fees, travel, and accommodation costs. The team is actively organizing fundraisers such as bake sales and car washes to offset the $28,800 needed for the trip. Robin Owen emphasized the importance of community support in achieving their fundraising goals:
“We would be very appreciative of additional community support to help offset the costs. A donation page has been set up to keep track of all donations – Support the OMS FCCLA Team.”
Principal’s Perspective
Chris Miller, the OMS Principal, lauded the team’s dedication and the broader impact of their involvement in FCCLA:
“On top of getting good grades, these girls participate in multiple other school activities and sports. Despite their busy schedules, they chose to be a part of FCCLA, and they take it seriously. They put in the time and effort to learn parliamentary procedure, no easy task! We have no doubt this team and these girls will make OMS and the state of Ohio immensely proud.”
A Bright Future Ahead
With their eyes set on success in Seattle, the team is not only making history but also paving the way for future generations of leaders.
Photo: From left to right – Aadi Kigthtlinger, Haylee Breitinger, Olivia Sandwall, Alex McAleer, Leah Bonen, Kennedy Sapp, and Gia Gfrer accepting their award in April. They are pictured with two of the state officers.
Source, Photo: Ontario Schools; Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
