Oklahoma FCCLA came home with more than medals from the 2024 National Leadership Conference.
The state association also brought home the 2024-25 national president.
Brandon Weibel, Silo FCCLA, was elected national president during the conference in Seattle, Washington.
Weibel, who previously served as Oklahoma FCCLA president and as state vice president of development before that, gave a three-minute speech on stage, was evaluated by the nominating committee and talked with voting delegates from across the country during the election process.
“The experience was both exhilarating and humbling, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity,” he said. “Throughout the week-long conference, I was inspired by the incredible energy, creativity and dedication exhibited by our members. The experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of FCCLA to foster leadership, community service and personal growth.
“FCCLA’s National Executive Council consists of 10 dedicated youth members, and I am excited to collaborate with such a talented and passionate group of individuals as we work together to make a significant impact in our communities and beyond.”
Meanwhile, Olivia Boeckman, Drummond FCCLA, finished her term as 2023-24 national vice president of community service.
The 287 Oklahoma FCCLA students at NLC also brought home a number of awards: 45 Top Ten STAR Event finalists; seven national champions; seven national runners-up; three national third place finishers; two Skill Demonstration Event champions; two Challenge Test champions; one Challenge Test third place finisher; and a Membership Increase Award. Approximately 8,000 students from across the country attended the conference.
Students weren’t the only ones from Oklahoma FCCLA who received awards. Oklahoma advisers were also recognized.
Peggy Chambers, Tushka High School, received the Spirit of Advising Award. Master Adviser awards went to Jeannessa McCollum, Timberlake High School; Audrey Rice, Minco High School; and Clinta Smith, Caney High School. Smith also received an Adviser Mentor Award, along with Mary Dushane, Fairland High School, and McCollum also received an Educated Adviser Award.
Adviser Academy graduates were Audrey Rice, Minco High School; Ramanda Rolette, Prague High School; Andrea Brice, Sand Springs High School; Amanda Faulkenberry, Marietta High School; and Lacy Grotheer and Madison Staggs, both of Putnam City High School.
“These accomplishments are a testament to the exceptional talent and leadership within our organization. Our members have demonstrated remarkable commitment to their personal growth and to making a positive impact on their communities,” said Brittani Phillips, Oklahoma FCCLA state adviser at the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. “We look forward to building on this success and continuing to support our members and chapter advisers.”
FCCLA is one of seven CareerTech student organizations affiliated with CareerTech programs. It is affiliated with family and consumer sciences education. The other six are FFA (agricultural education), DECA (marketing education), HOSA (health careers education), SkillsUSA (trade and industrial education), Business Professionals of America (business and information technology education) and Technology Student Association (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
Oklahoma CareerTech: Education that works for you
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 60 campuses, 397 PK-12 school districts, 16 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 32 adult education and family literacy providers.
The agency is governed by the State Board of Career and Technology Education and works closely with the State Department of Education and the State Regents for Higher Education to provide a seamless educational system for all Oklahomans.
