Broken Bow High School’s FCCLA cleaned house at the Students Taking Action with Recognition events in Stillwater earlier this spring.
In Sustainability Challenge, Camber Westbrook won first place for her project which focused on the impact of indoor air quality and identified solutions to reduce food waste. She had spent about four months on the project. Her project’s success qualified her to compete at nationals.
Addison Leonard earned second place in Career Investigation at the event with only a few months of competition experience. Leonard also qualified for nationals.
“I have seen our FCCLA program grow this year by how well our officers and members have set goals for themselves and then achieved them,” said Broken Bow FCCLA advisor Rusty Stafford. “We have seen an increase of involvement at our middle school and that has translated well into the high school environment. Our community service as a chapter has increased this year and I would like to see our chapter take on even more causes in this upcoming school year.”
Stafford began her teaching career at Broken Bow in 2019.
“My students have taught me that growth is truly not linear,” Stafford said. “Sometimes we have our bad days and it’s okay to admit that. Mental health days are a must and it’s okay to show our vulnerability. They’ve also taught me that there is always time to enjoy yourself and that it’s okay to have fun.”
Westbrook and Leonard were presented with their STAR medals a few weeks later at the 77th annual state convention in Oklahoma City. The convention also included a keynote address, the election of state officers and service-learning projects.
“This year’s state convention was a fantastic experience,” said Broken Bow FCCLA advisor Rusty Stafford. “Our students elected the next State Officer team and they cheered on their fellow chapter members as they received their STAR Event medals. They also had the opportunity to attend action-packed, hands-on workshops.”
FCCLA is important, Stafford said, because it is the only student-led organization focused on family development.
“We focus on the importance of a strong family and help students learn how to build and nurture those relationships. FCCLA is integrated into family and consumer sciences education, exposing students to work-based learning as well as business and industry experiences,” Stafford said. “FCCLA engages students in industry awareness and through Competitive Events and scholarship opportunities. FCCLA provides real world skills: productivity and accountability, flexibility and adaptability, initiative and self-direction, leadership and responsibility.”
