Richmond recaps FCCLA year

    This year’s theme for the state FCCLA, “The Future is Yours,” captures the essence of the opportunities CCS senior Alexis Richmond has experienced as a member of the organization.
    She has built up an impressive list of accomplishments that was capped off by her election as FCCLA State President for the 2020-21 school year.
    Richmond just completed her term as state president with their virtual leadership conference April 12-13.
    Like many of the statewide school organizations, the COVID-19 situation forced FCCLA into a virtual conference.
    Despite that, they were able to hold a live opening session, 75th-anniversary celebration, competitive events award ceremony  and closing session.
    She said they also had a variety of activities and break-out sessions.
    As the state president, she had the opportunity to be a member of the Board of Directors, prepare state conferences and provide materials and information for Nebraska FCCLA members. A majority of her duties were completed virtually.      
    Richmond has been a member of FCCLA since 7th grade.
    “FCCLA has prepared me for my future in numerous ways,” she said.
    “I have especially strengthened my skills of leadership, time management, communication, and public speaking,” she added. “As I graduate high school and pursue further education, FCCLA has definitely prepared me for my future endeavors.”
    On the competitive side of FCCLA, Richmond has been a three-time state champion and four-time national qualifier.
    At nationals,she received 5th place for her sports nutrition project, 3rd place with her Teach and Train project and 3rd place with her Leadership project.
    She has attended National Leadership Conferences in San Diego, Nashville, Atlanta and Anaheim.
    Richmond said FCCLA has been key in helping her develop as a leader.
    “Leadership roles have also been a big part of my FCCLA experience,” she said.
    These include offices as the local, district and state level.
    At the chapter level, she held the offices of treasurer, public relations and president. She also served as the District 11 president for two years.
    During her junior year, she was chairperson for the Community Leader Team as well as the overall vice-coordinator for the State Peer Officer Team.
    In this role, she focused on peer-to-peer outreach about FCCLA’s national programs as well as hosting conferences and leadership sessions throughout the year.
FCCLA local activities
This year FCCLA conducted a food drive in November.
Last week, they held a father-daughter dance that was very well attended by dads, grandfathers and, of course, daughters.  
Approximately 141 attended. Daughters ranged from age 3 up to graduating seniors.  
The organization sold breakfast burritos at Wednesday’s track meet. Proceeds from the dance and burrito sales will help fund participation in the chapter’s FCCLA events and organizational events.
    FCCLA stands for the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. It is a career and technical student organization that allows members to grow their leadership skills and develop life skills.