150 high school students learn as SC State hosts Family, Community & Career Leaders of America fall meeting
High school students and advisors from 13 high schools and career centers in South Carolina attended the meeting hosted by SC State’s Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – About 150 high school students recently learned about how to be leaders in family and consumer sciences careers in a state conference at South Carolina State University.
On Oct. 29, SC State’s Department of Family and Consumer Sciences welcomed the South Carolina Family, Community, and Career Leaders of America (FCCLA) for the organization’s Fall Leadership Meeting. FCCLA is a national nonprofit organization for students enrolled in Family and Consumer Sciences related courses.
The event was intended to cultivate leadership skills among youths and brought enthusiastic participation from students from various schools across the region.
The day commenced with greetings from Dr. Ralph Noble, dean of SC State’s College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Dr. Maria A. James, chairperson of the university’s Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.
This was followed by greetings from the SC FCCLA officers:
- President Ramell Bagtas
- 1st Vice President Majesty Elmore
- Vice President of Competitive Events Maria Fleitas Carmona
- Vice President of Public Relations Asiyah Harris
- Vice President of Membership Matthew Kieslar.
Founded in 1945, FCCLA promotes personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences education. Members develop skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.
FCCLA emphasizes the importance of family bonds, community service, and career readiness, equipping young people with the tools to become leaders in their families, careers, and communities. Through various programs and competitive events, FCCLA empowers youth to address important personal, work, and societal issues.
After the opening ceremony, students were divided into groups to attend workshop sessions in Staley Hall led by SC FCCLA advisors and state officers. The sessions covered such topics as effective communication, team building, and strategic planning.
The workshops included:
- “Leading with Emotions.”
- “Which STAR Event Would Work for Me?”
- “Conquering Fear.”
- “Putting the FUN in FUNdraising.."
- “Life as a FACS College Student.”
Additionally, a special session was held for SC FCCLA Advisors to provide important updates for the upcoming competition season. This session also offered advisors the opportunity to network and share best practices for maintaining an active FCCLA Chapter at their schools.
Participants attended two sessions before embarking on a campus tour led by students in the College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences. The tours included a visit to Washington Dining Hall, where attendees enjoyed a true Bulldog lunch experience. After lunch, the tours continued and concluded at Staley Hall for the remaining workshop sessions.
The state FCCLA Fall Leadership Meeting equipped students with valuable skills and inspired them to strive for excellence and make a difference. The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences remains dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders.