Special to The Times
Six students from Wenonah High School’s Academy of Hospitality & Tourism won gold medals this summer at the annual Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference in San Diego.
Gold medal winners were Val’LaNesha Cook (job interview); Ayanna Powe and Sakinah Townes (National Program in Action) and Keyaira Browdus, Natalyn D’Errico and Jenai McCall (Illustrated Talk).
The students joined more than 8,000 student leaders, members, and advisers in San Diego for the conference, which provides opportunities for students and advisers to listen to inspiring speakers, as well as to expand leadership skills, sharpen talents, and explore career pathways.
The theme of this year’s conference was “Empowered”, which inspires attendees to make the right choices and commit themselves to making a positive impact within their families, schools, and communities.
Students participated in 30 different competitions, including the national STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events and the FCCLA/LifeSmarts Knowledge Bowl.
To compete at this level, members first had to successfully earn a spot at the district and state contest levels.
The Wenonah students won 1st place at state competitions in Montgomery which gave them the opportunity to represent Alabama in San Diego.
FCCLA has over 160,000 members and more than 5,400 chapters worldwide. Its programs are planned and run by members.
