Yucca Middle School FCCLA students qualify for national competition

11 Yucca Middle School students have qualified for the national competition, following the 2024 Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) state conference this weekend.

This is the first year FCCLA has been offered at Yucca.

Nicole Olson, the food and nutrition and FCCLA teacher at Yucca Middle School, said FCCLA teaches students how to prepare for many life skills, such as finance, education, home making, culinary, entrepreneurship, and more.

Some students provided insight on what the competition was like. There were many workshops and the theme was “Beyond the Horizon.”

““The competition was terrifying but relaxing at the same time. Our team wasn’t too worried due to the strict following of the rubric and we knew what we needed to improve on,” Noemi Granados said.

“FCCLA is important for students because it helps them become leaders and learn about different life skills,” Ava Thomas said. “For example, my group learned how to help children with their mental health issues by using puppies and yoga.”

Other students agreed, adding that the extra curricular also helps develop team building and helps interact with others.

The 11 students and their results at the state competition are listed below:

• Makayla Dowling, Catherin Rodriguez-Bryant, Ava Thomas. Career Investigation Level 1 (Grade level) - Score Gold 97.67 Placed 1st in their event level in the state - National Qualifier

• Noemi Granados and Addison Siliceo Food Innovations Level 1 - Score Gold 92 Placed 1st in their event level in the State - National Qualifier

• Thomas (TJ) Floyd, Esteban Wheeler Repurpose and Redesign Level 1 - Score Silver 77.33 Places 3rd in their event level in the State - National Qualifier

• Natala Munoz, Cameron Yarborough, and Jakobee Saiz Interior Design Level 1 - Score Silver 75 Placed 1st in their event level in the state - National Qualifier

• Nyema Carbajal Career Investigation Level 1 - Score 73 Silver Placed 1st in their event level in the State - National Qualifier

The national FCCLA competition will be in Seattle, WA on June 29 to July 3.