HOISINGTON — Super hero capes and  masks added effect for Kylie Broeder and Kayleigh Bitter when they presented a Powerpoint and spoke about the accomplishments of the Hoisington High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America at the recent state competition.
The result was Broeder, Bitter and Kayla Reisner, who is a post-secondary member of FCCLA, will all be making a trip to the national competition in San Antonio, Texas, from July 5-10.
Reisner presented a program on rain forests at the Hoisington Recreation Commission youth program last summer and developed that event into a presentation at the FCCLA district and state level. Her efforts were also rewarded with a trip to the national competition.
Broeder and Bitter are both sophomores at Hoisington High School. Reisner is the first post-secondary FCCLA member from the state to qualify for the nationals.
“The best thing about FCCLA is meeting new people,” said Broeder.
“We made a Powerpoint with 48 slides,” said Broeder, about the presentation. “We took pictures at every event.” They plan to do the same project next year.
The HHS FCCLA group is very active in the community. They sold concessions and volunteered at many community events. The group will be conducting a survey for the city to provide information for grant applications.
Broeder and Bitter, both sophomores, will be selling metal Cardinals made by B&B Metal Arts, ranging in price from $25-$35, to raise money for the trip.
“We’re grateful to (local)newspapers,” said FCCLA Sponsor Karla Reisner, for printing information about FCCLA.
State Competition
The FCCLA attended the 68th annual State Leadership Conference on April 6-8 in Wichita.
With the theme of “FCCLA: The Game of Leadership,” the Kansas State Executive Council led the conference in sessions which included skits, official business, award recognition and a dynamic keynote given by Jeff Yalden. They attended several breakout sessions focused on community service, professionalism and leadership. They  also had the opportunity to explore future options through a college and career fair.
With more than 1,500 FCCLA members in attendance, the conference was truly the ultimate leadership experience, according to attendees.
Members also competed in STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) events.  These are competitive events in which members are recognized for proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills and career preparation.  Brennen Knapp and Justin Umphrey participated in the senior division of interpersonal communications and received a bronze.
Bitter and Broeder competed in the senior division of chapter in review digital portfolio.  They received gold to advance to national competition in July.
Reisner, who is the Kansas Alumni and Associates vice president, was the first to compete in postsecondary STAR events at the state level.  She participated in the event of Teach and Train.  She received a silver and advanced to nationals as well.  She will represent Kansas as the first postsecondary STAR event participant at nationals.  
Umphrey was also inducted as the District B vice president of Power of One at the meeting.  Justin attended district officer training while at state meeting.  
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a nonprofit national career and technical student organization for young men and women in Family and Consumer Sciences education in public and private school through grade 12.  Since 1945, FCCLA members have been making a difference in their families, careers, and communities by addressing important personal, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education.