On April 14 – 16, 25 students participated in an inspiring weekend of competition, recognition, and leadership development for the Holmes & Odyssey Early College and Career Options FCCLA members who attended the 2022 Colorado FCCLA State Conference. The conference took place at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel. Members had opportunities to engage in workshops and showcase the leadership skills they developed throughout the year.

Holmes Middle School had 11 students competing, while Odyssey ECCO FCCLA Chapter had 15 members experience all the conference activities. From state officers hosting attendees through all the general sessions, highlighting chapters for their advocacy of family and consumer sciences, to the outside speakers shared their leadership tips and hints, students were able to gain valuable leadership skills from this conference. 

On Thursday, students experienced workshops and began competitions in over 43 competitive events. This year’s Colorado theme was FIND YOUR POWER. The students were challenged to find their own strength and traits within them to participate in the many opportunities the Ultimate Leadership Experience offers. The opening session brought all members, advisers, and guests to kick off this yearly conference. 

Friday was filled with competitive events, a college expo and networking opportunities.

The students, advisers and guests enjoyed a delicious banquet meal and state awards. Annie Friesema and Andrea Aragon, Odyssey ECCO FCCLA Advisers, both received the National FCCLA Mentor Adviser Award. Mrs. Friesema was also awarded the Colorado Outstanding District Consultant award. Kelly Gauck, the Holmes FCS (Family and Consumer Sciences) teacher received a 10-year adviser award. Holmes FCCLA Chapter won three awards; Community Service, Membership and received the Gold Merit chapter. 

All the time and effort chapters put into competitive events paid off! Holmes’ members competed in seven events. On Saturday morning, the individual awards were announced. Each member received an FCCLA medal, gold, silver, or bronze. 

The following Holmes MS members all won first place in their respective events:  Maverick McDonald in Career Investigation, Kaitlyn Deyoe in National Programs in Action, Campbell Riggs in Teach in Train, Elsie Walker in Nutrition & Wellness, Bryce McDonald, Sam Wilshusen & Jett Friesema together as a team in Sports Nutrition, Lillie Rice in Promote & Publicize FCCLA! Olivia White in Professional Presentation, Olivia Erlenbach in Chapter in Review Display. Kiley Romero earned a silver in her Chapter in Review Portfolio. Each student planned, prepared, and presented their STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) event using the FCCLA detailed rubrics. All competitors that place first or second qualify to attend the 2022 National FCCLA Leadership Conference held in beautiful San Diego, CA on June 28 - July 3. 

The following Odyssey ECCO FCCLA members in the Education & Training Pathway placed first in their events: Ava Friesema (Coronado) & Haley Cross (Palmer) in Focus on Children, Riley Walker, and Madeline Jonasen (Coronado) in Promote and Publicize, Makenzie Hartman (Coronado) in Teach & Train, Jordan Hamilton (Odyssey ECCO) in Career Investigation. Taiyah Mooney (Coronado) placed second in Say YES to FCS, and Brithany Garces (Odyssey ECCO) placed third in Career Investigation.  

Odyssey ECCO FCCLA members in the Hospitality & Tourism Pathway received the following medals: Aidan Roberts (Achieve) and Canyon Sweum (Palmer) - silver in Culinary Arts, Kevin Moreno Silva (Palmer) and Olivia Schwarz (Bijou) - silver in Gourmet Food Presentation Savory, Emma Duran (Odyssey) – silver in Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation, and Wynter Kelley (Coronado) - bronze in Entrepreneurship. Olivia Vasquez (Bijou) served as a student judge for Gourmet Food Presentation Sweet.  

Colorado FCCLA is one of 52 state chapters of National Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. FCCLA is a Career and Technical Student Organization focusing on family, career preparation, and leadership development. Colorado FCCLA started in 1946 and has grown to over 132 chapters with over 1,100 members. Participation with FCCLA including competitive events, chapter activities, and leadership opportunities can lead to a brighter future for all members. National FCCLA began in 1945 and is strong with over 165,000 members, making FCCLA one of the largest student organizations in the world. FCCLA is the Ultimate Leadership Experience.