Tarkio High School FCCLA members Brody Wennihan, Brooklyn Wennihan, and Sydnee Bruns attended the Missouri State FCCLA Leadership Conference. Brooklyn and Sydnee placed fourth in the competition and Brody placed first, advancing to nationals. (Dara Whipple photo)
Students from Tarkio High School attended the 2024 Missouri Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference March 17-19, 2024, at Margaritaville Lake Resort and Conference Center in Osage Beach. Almost 1,600 delegates from across the state represented more than 8,600 members of Missouri FCCLA. Tarkio FCCLA members Brooklyn Wennihan, Sydnee Bruns, and Brody Wennihan attended the conference with chapter adviser Dara Whipple.
The conference centered on the student-developed theme “Missouri FCCLA: Out of this World” representing how Missouri FCCLA members are launching their leadership to new levels. The conference kicked off with the opening general session on Sunday evening where the 2023-2024 Missouri FCCLA State Executive Council presided. The keynote speaker was Dr. Laymon Hicks.
On Monday, almost 800 students participated in more than 30 competitive STAR Events (Students Taking Action with Recognition). Brooklyn and Sydnee competed in National Programs in Action, receiving fourth in the state with a silver medal. Brody competed in Public Policy Advocacy and received the top gold at state. He will be moving on to national competition in Seattle, Washington, this summer.
Students also were able to attend workshops on leadership development, community service, career preparation, and healthy living. Exhibits from Missouri colleges, universities, and vendors were also present at the conference. Student voting delegates elected the 2024-2025 Missouri FCCLA State Executive Council and raised money for our state outreach project benefitting LOVEtheLOU.
FCCLA is unique among student organizations because projects and events – such as the State Leadership Conference – are planned and run by its student members. This prime focus of Missouri FCCLA, youth-centered leadership, helps members develop those “skills for life” – planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision-making, and interpersonal communication – necessary in the work place and in the home.
