The 8 th FCCLA National Leadership Conference was held in Orlando, Florida during the
second week in July, and saw the largest attendance numbers in over a decade, with
more than 10,000 FCCLA members attending from across the nation.
Representing Marietta High School were Bella Faulkenberry, Emily Faulkenberry, Allie
Jackson, and Abigail Santibanez, accompanied by their advisor, Mrs. Amanda
Faulkenberry.
Oklahoma FCCLA sent the largest delegation to date, with over 500 members and
advisors. During STAR Event recognition session, Oklahoma had 74 top 10 qualifiers,
which included Marietta’s Jackson in STAR Event Leadership. Jackson also competed
in the Skills Demonstration Event Creed Speaking, where she placed second in the
nation.
Emily Faulkenberry and Santibanez judged STAR events and Emily also judged Skills
Demonstration events.
Mrs. Faulkenberry was specially honored at the NLC when she was chosen to receive
the Spirit of Advising Award.
“NLC is truly the highlight of our year in FCCLA, and while receiving the Spirit of
Advising Award was an honor, the best part for me is watching my students experience
in the conference,” she said. “As an advisor who is also a mom of members, it was
definitely a bittersweet conference as my eldest daughter Emily has graduated and took
off her red blazer for the last time, but my youngest daughter Bella put hers on for the
very first time.”
The Marietta FCCLA chapter attended workshops and sessions while at the conference,
but there was also time for fun. The chapter also was able to experience Orlando by
spending July 4th at Magic Kingdom. Other activities the chapter enjoyed were a tour of
a chocolate factory, Universal Studios, Museum of Optical Illusions, candle making, and
a dolphin tour at Clearwater Beach.
“NLC is one of the most exciting events of the year,” Emily Faulkenberry commented.
“Every year I looked forward to traveling with my chapter to attend. During the
conference, members are not only participating in workshops, competitive events, and
sessions, but they are also networking with members from other places and learning
from people all over the U.S. and sharing our love for FCCLA.
“FCCLA has been a huge part in my life, so NLS is really an opportunity for me to see
my old friends and meet new ones. While this was my last NLC as a member, I look
forward to returning to chaperone and help with judging and competitive events.”