Gilboa FCCLA Success in Seattle

SEATTLE – Gilboa FCCLA members, Olivia Ross and Jaidyn Sutton, proudly represented their school and community at the highly anticipated FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) held at the Seattle Convention Center – Summit Building from June 29 – July 3, 2024. This annual event brought together more than 8,000 passionate Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) student members, advisers, and guests from across the U.S. and including Puerto Rico and American Samoa.

The conference provided Gilboa FCCLA Members with an amazing experience, including attending inspiring speaker sessions, engaging in youth workshops, competing nationally, and networking with fellow youth leaders. Centered around "The Ultimate Journey," this conference highlighted how FCCLA offers exceptional prospects to its members and advisers through Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education. By exploring career opportunities and instilling real-world skills, advocacy, and service, FCCLA empowers its members to make an impact that will guide them on their ultimate journey.

During the conference, Olivia, who is the New York State FCCLA President, attended state officer trainings, networking sessions, and was the lone voting delegate for New York. As the voting delegate, she not only interviewed and helped select members running for the National Executive Council, but was also able to vote on the proposed changes to the FCCLA bylaws and see the parliamentary procedure in full effect. She also spent time working with her council on planning the NYS Summer Leadership Conference held just 2 weeks later and the NYS Leadership Conference held in March, 2025.

Jaidyn presented her STAR event project in the Career Investigation category. She had earned gold during the state conference and was hoping to do the same at the national level. Not only did Jaidyn earn another gold medal, but she placed in the top 10 for the nation!! Both Olivia and Jaidyn also attended various workshops, general sessions, and award and recognition sessions. They were able to see two presenters from the Pike’s Place Fish Market demonstrate and talk about the importance of teamwork and skills needed for any future career.

While in Seattle, Gilboa FCCLA was able to meet up with Gilboa-Conesville Central School alumni, too! Stacy Fancher (Class of ‘94) works for the Seattle Sheraton where the members were staying, and she was able to give them a special guided tour around the city and a special welcome gift basket. The New York FCCLA delegation also took a harbor cruise to see and learn about the various sites in Seattle, and many attended the FCCLA at the Ballgame event held at T-Mobile Park.

These students would not be able to have such amazing opportunities if it wasn’t for the generosity of our local businesses and community members. Gilboa FCCLA would like to thank all of our sponsors this year: Jim’s Great American, Darcy and Tim Brand, Dottie and Roger Carroll, Pizza Plus, Sundae’s, TP’s Cafe, Arnold and Diana Jaeger, Preville Technology, Beauty Kreations, Platterkill Mine, GCCS PTO Booster Club, Beauty by Sheila, Gardens by Trista, Simmons Junk Removal and Demolition, William Amend, Tony and Kathy Tubiolo, Valley Market, Jen’s Unisex Hair Salon, Horseshoe Cafe, Ann & Company Hair Studio, Gilboa Auto Service, and the Allen Family. We couldn’t have done it without your support! Looking ahead, FCCLA will be hosting its next National Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL from July 5 - 9, 2025. For those interested in getting involved as a student, sponsor, or supporter, please contact Michelle Fleischman at Gilboa-Conesville Central School.