Seventy Kentucky participants received 32 gold, 26 silver and 12 bronze medals in 28 national Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events recently as more than 6,300 nationwide members, advisers, alumni and guests of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), gathered in Anaheim, Calif., for its 2011 National Leadership Conference.

From Kentucky, 180 members from 28 schools attended.

This year’s student-originated theme for the meeting was “Imagination in Action.” Throughout the five-day convention, participants examined and discussed several critical issues, including family, school and community violence prevention; physical and financial fitness; future career exploration; and countless community service projects.

A number of relevant youth issues, such as leadership; the changing roles of men and women in the home and workplace; and obesity prevention also were explored through presentations, workshops and youth sessions.

Kentucky FCCLA members joined more than 3,500 students participating in STAR Events at the conference. STAR Events are competitive events that build proficiency and achievement in leadership and job-related skills.

Other awards received during the conference included:

  • Angela Gott, a teacher in the Pendleton County school district, received the Spirit of Advising award.
  • Kentucky received a certificate for increasing membership.
  • Shae Criswell, a student at East Carter High School (Carter County), received the $1,000 “Enjoy the City” scholarship.
  • For a perfect score, Grant County Entrepreneurship STAR event winners received $1,000 scholarships to Kendall College.
  • Devan Woosley, a student at Grayson County High School, was one of the top 10 Leaders to Watch.

Throughout the year, FCCLA members tackle issues such as teen violence prevention, traffic safety, family issues, career exploration and more. FCCLA programs and competitions enrich student learning, improve self-esteem and serve students with a range of ability levels, economic situations and cultural influences.

Kentucky’s 2011-12 state FCCLA goals for the year include:

Goal 1 – Increase membership by 12 members.

Goal 2 – Increase honor roll participation, with 50 percent of those turned in receiving a gold rating.

Goal 3 – Increase participation in community service projects by each chapter completing a “Beading for Autism Kit.”

Goal 4 – Promote STAR Events and competitive events.

Goal 5 – Promote and publicize participation in chapter, region and state activities through multimedia.

FCCLA is a national student organization that helps students become leaders and address important personal, family, work and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has more than 190,000 members and 6,500 chapters from 50 state associations, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The organization has involved more than 10 million youth since its founding in 1945.