Members of the Marietta FCCLA chapter recently returned from the Family, Career and
Community Leaders of America’s National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., where
they joined thousands of student leaders from across the nation to compete, develop
leadership skills, and represent not only their school, but their state on the national stage.
This year’s conference brought together more than 10,000 FCCLA members, advisers, and
supporters from across the U.S. for leadership training, national competitive events,
networking opportunities, and recognition of outstanding chapters and members.
Marietta was represented by Allie Bruce, Capri Finch, Allison Santibanez, Abigail Santibanez,
Isabella Faulkenberry, and advisor Amanda Faulkenberry. Those attendees represented their
chapter well with the following accomplishments:
Allie Bruce earned first place in Toys that Teach Skills demonstration event Level 1 and
first place in the Teaching Challenge test.
Capri Finch placed second in the Working With Children challenge test.
Isabella Faulkenberry won first in FCCLA Knowledge challenge test, third in FCCLA
Creed Speaking skills demonstration event, and bronze in Teach or Train Level 1 STAR
event.
Bruce, Finch, and Allison Santibanez won silver in the National Programs in Action
Level 1 STAR event.
Additionally, Advisor Amanda Faulkenberry presented during advisor roundtables and
represented Oklahoma as the voting delegate for advisors.
“National Leadership Conference isn’t just about FCCLA competitions and workshops but
about giving my students the opportunity to see the world around then, learn some history, and
experience life beyond our little town,” said Faulkenberry. “While in DC we were able to see
national monuments, visit the capitol, go to the Library of Congress, the Holocaust Museum,
Botanical Garden, and Law Enforcement Memorials. It’s a great experience for our students.”
All of Marietta’s members who attended enjoyed touring Washington, D.C., as well as meeting
new people and making new friends at the conference. They were also afforded the
opportunity to learn new leadership skills that they will bring back to their school and share with
fellow students.
“I learned to not be scared and to put myself out there and make friends,” said Bruce. “In
FCCLA, I have found an organization that has really brought out the best in me and given me a
place to call home.”
In addition to local chapter honors, Oklahoma was recognized for the largest FCCLA
membership in the nation, with more than 28,000 members statewide.