Chapter Spotlight: Zalma FCCLA

This post submitted by Hillary Merick, Missouri FCCLA 1st Vice President, as she describes one of her chapter's largest service projects, which is held annually.

On November 10, 2009, the Zalma FCCLA chapter hosted one of the largest Veterans Day Dinners in the area with over 205 people in attendance. The program began at 5:30 p.m. iwth the opening ceremony followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem performed by the Zalma concert choir. Shortly following, dinner was served to the veterans and their guests by the Zalma FCCLA members and officers. As everyone finished up their meal, the guest speakers were introduced.

Instead of asking one person to come speak, we felt it was more meaningful if we would talk to them ourselves. Many poems were read and thoughts were shared to the heroes that given us the freedom we have today. Each veteran received a certificate of appreciation from Representative Shelley Keeney. The Veterans Day program was concluded by a reading of the poem "A Soldier Died Today" by A. Lawrence Vaincourt. The veterans and their guests seemed to have a wonderful time, however, the students were the ones who got the most out of it. Serving our country's heroes was an honor. We are all very luck to live in the United States of America.

Alumni Feature: Where Are They Now?

Submitted by Levi Rash, Missouri FCCLA Alumni & Associates President

FCCLA Alumni impact the organization even after membership in high school. Here's a look at what one of our very own Missouri FCCLA alumni has been up to lately!

Name: Teah Berti, Class of 2003

FCCLA Chapter: South Shelby High School - Shelbina, Missouri

FCCLA Participation: STAR Events Participant, Chapter Vice President, Region 3 Officer, 2002-2003 State Vice President

After graduating from South Shelby, Teah attended the University of Central Missouri where she graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Media and Marketing.

For the last four years Teah has worked for the radio station 90.9 The Bridge, which broadcasts in the Warrensburg area. She has her own evening and weekend show. She is also the co-host of "Uncorked", an educational/promotional radio show about wine.

While an undergraduate, Teah had a fun internship with Two West, a marketing and branding firm in Kansas City. She also interned with the T-Bones, the Kansas City minor league baseball team. Teah has also studied abroad twice, and is currently working in the International Center at UCM.

In December of 2009, Teah will graduate once again from the University of Central Missouri with a Master's degree in Mass Communication (emphasis in Intercultural Communication). She is looking for a job that will allow her to travel and see the world...wherever that may take her!

Teah's advice to FCCLA Members: "Never pass up the opportunity to travel and learn more about the world; in turn you will learn more about yourself. Dream big and never give up."

Thanksgiving and Chemistry: What's The Connection?

In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, I've been seeing blog posts from FCS education related businesses on why Thanksgiving is all about the food (I disagree), tweets from foodies talking about the perfect pie crust (Pillsbury makes a pretty good one, too), and requests on discussion lists for Thanksgiving recipes. But what I haven't seen are discussions from family and consumer sciences educators about teaching topics such as family, culture, traditions, communication, and science in relation with a national holiday that is nearly universally celebrated in our culture. I guess that gets lost in the hoopla that becomes "the holidays."

So....how does one integrate those topics into the family and consumer sciences classroom in ways that engage students? I'm going to guess another lecture or PowerPoint will not be what will get a teacher through the lack of an attention span (teachers and students) right before a holiday. But what if you could do a demonstration, involve students, and reinforce science in the context of family and consumer sciences at the same time? Thanks to Bytesize Science, here's an example of just how to do that. It might have to be modified a bit for high school level, but then again, maybe not. Hope you enjoy this video "Thanksgiving and Chemistry: What's the Connection?"

Thanksgiving and Chemistry: What's the connection? from ACS Pressroom on Vimeo.

Can FCCLA Lead to Scholarships?

Getting ready for college in the near future? Anyone need a little extra money to help with tuition, books, or lodging? I'm going to guess the answer is "yes" with a follow up of "where can I apply?" Your FCCLA membership can translate to money for college.

FCCLA members are ENCOURAGED to apply for state and national FCCLA scholarships. The following scholarships are available to any affiliated FCCLA member:

Missouri FCCLA Scholarships -

$2000/$1000 scholarships for Outstanding FCCLA Leaders and Family and Consumer Sciences Career Clusters (Missouri members only)

Enjoy the City $1000 Scholarship -
Open to a nationally affiliated FCCLA member who:
• is a current senior in high school (grade 12)
• is a current FCCLA chapter or state officer
• has taken the ACT or SAT examination
• affiliated with national FCCLA by March 1, 2010
• has or intends to apply to a degree-granting institution leading to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in any field of study.

Wiley Publishing Inc., $1000 Scholarship -

Open to a nationally affiliated FCCLA member who:
• is currently a senior (grade 12) in high school
• affiliated with national FCCLA by March 1, 2010
• has taken the SAT or ACT exam
• applied to a degree-granting institution leading to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in any field of study
• has outstanding leadership qualities gained through FCCLA membership and other experiences in their family, school, and community.

There are also other scholarships that are available to students meeting officer criteria, honor program, or program criteria. Be sure to check out these opportunities.

Chapter Spotlight and DigIt Info

This post submitted by Nicole Terry, State FCCLA President from Purdy, Missouri.

This week's chapter spotlight focuses on two chapters- Greenfield and Purdy FCCLA. These chapters have been working hard to raise money for Children's Miracle Network through the FCCLA Dig It! Campaign. Here are some of their ideas:

Just last month, Greenfield FCCLA turned their school into a haunted house for Halloween. Through this event they raised $878. Mrs. Meents, Greenfields advisor, said that "this was the best fundraiser her chapter has ever done."

Purdy FCCLA raised money by trick-or-treating classrooms in our elementary to collect change to donate to Children's Miracle Network. The children loved the costumes and gave their change and Purdy also raised around $250.

I know many of you have also been working to raise money for CMN through the DigIt! Campaign. One common question is "where do we send the money?" Once you’ve raised funds, you will need to address your envelope and ensure that funds go to Children’s Miracle Network International Headquarters.

Make your check out to: Children's Miracle Network

Memo Line: Your FCCLA Chapter Name/City/Zip code

Send your checks to:

Children's Miracle Network

ATTN: FCCLA Fundraising

205 West 700 South

Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Thanks to everyone for what you're doing with this project!