Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, or FCCLA, is a student-led organization. It has over fifty people in the club to help the community. They provide for personal development and preparation for adult life.

“It’s a CTE club, so it’s made to promote the family consumer sciences which is like hospitality, tourism, social work and the culinary field,” Vice president and junior Kristina Birkeland said. “It’s also made to create the future leaders of America and to promote leadership skills.”

There are a multitude of ways for people to learn leadership. Some learn from a number of opportunities and some learn from being officers. They learn these skills for a number of reasons, including avoiding peer pressure, encouraging environmental sustainability, improving family relationships, raising awareness about teen violence, and preparing for future career possibilities.

“They learn leadership through competing and also serving as officers,” Adviser Natasha Deramee said. “We have a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, parliamentarian, public relations and social media.”

FCCLA was formed by chemist Ellen Swallow Richards. She tested water to study it chemically and came up with a chart using chlorine. Her research made her realize women needed to be educated about safety for families.

“She started home economics, and through home economics the Future Homemakers of America Organization was started in 1945,” Deramee said. “We wanted to be more inclusive so the name was changed from FHA to FCCLA.”

Each member in the club has a role to play. Whether they are the president or just an ordinary member, everyone has something to contribute.

“Members do a huge portion of it. They come to meetings, they do the activities,” junior Kale Mckinney said. “Everyone pretty much participates and puts forth something.”

The organization has helped students not only become more social and learn leadership skills, but it also helps them to better understand the community around them through a number of service opportunities like the Community Caring Center.

“Since joining, I personally have grown a lot in my leadership roles,” Birkeland said. “It’s a brilliant way to connect to the community and your peers.”