HOISINGTON — Members of the Hoisington High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Chapter will be traveling to the national meeting in Anaheim, Calif. on July 9-14. Those attending will be Drew Reisner, Kayla Reisner and Rondi Denning along with advisor Karla Reisner.

They’ve "worked real hard," said Karla. "Other members have helped out." The group has raised money for the trip.

None of the three students has ever been on an airplane or been to California, so all three are excited about the opportunity.

Kayla will be trained to take on her responsibilities as the 2011-12 District B president. Drew, and Denning will be attending the meeting to receive recognition for the National Program of Student Body for the Grab n’ Go the group started this year. The Grab n’ Go program was to provide healthy snacks and water to students at a reduced price throughout the school day.

Drew was in charge of the Grab n’ Go. "I’ve gotten many skills in food preparation," Drew said. "I think is has helped me realize in a short time I can get a lot of things done. It will help me pursue what I want to do." He has also learned organizational skills.

Some of next years’ sophomores have been trained in the Grab ‘n Go. Karla said that the students have raised $8,000 and spent about $7,000. Grab ‘n Go was never intended as a fundraiser, but as a way to promote good nutrition and healthy eating in the school.

Denning liked FCCLA for another reason. "It has given us a chance to bond. Everybody’s come a lot closer," she said. "I’ve met a lot of new people."

Kayla has learned a lot of skills from the group. "It teaches you a lot of leadership skills for community, family and hopefully, one day, career."

The group has held several fundraisers for the trip. Moneymakers have included three Green Bay Packer autographed Jordy Nelson items. Winners from that drawing were Tyler Schremmer, Tim Woodcock and Brenner Donovan. The group also worked at a local restaurant in Great Bend, had a concession stand at the Hoisington Recreation Commission soccer games, a booth at the Wetlanders Festival, sold burritos and enchiladas, will have a meal fundraiser at a local business and will hold a bake sale at the local supermarket.

Members have raised most of the money for their trips, and the school district is paying for the transportation.

The three students attending the national meeting will also learn about new programs and how to implement them at the local level

In addition, HHS student Shannon Manka was elected as the District B vice president of STAR events.