Local Students Excel at National Competition

Katie Brockman and Amanda Cameron recently represented Jasper County High School in the STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events Competition at Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America’s (FCCLA) 2011 National Leadership meeting held July 9-14 in Anaheim, Calif.

The two girls advanced to the national level by first winning at the region and then the state levels.

Miss Brockman, who is a recent graduate of JCHS, received a silver medal in the Chapter Service Project Display category of STAR Events. Her project focused on improving the conditions of one of the special education classroom at JCHS.

Miss Cameron, a rising senior at JCHS, earned a gold medal, the highest award given at the national level. She competed in the Illustrated Talk category of STAR Events. Amanda’s project focused on collecting toys for the foster children of Jasper County and planning a Christmas party for them.
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The medals were presented at a recognition session honoring all participants at the Anaheim Convention Center on Thursday, July 14.
More than 3,000 members, advisers, alumni, and guests from across the nation attended the National Leadership Meeting this year.

Misses Brockman and and Cameron were accompanied by Mrs. April Clark, the FCCLA adviser at JCHS. Not only did the students participate in the STAR Events Competition, but they also had the opportunity to attend leadership training sessions.

Furthermore, the group was able to visit Disneyland and the Long Beach Aquarium while in California. The students also attended a formal FCCLA Gala where the students danced and celebrated their great successes in the competition.

Mrs. Clark, Katie, and Amanda would like to thank everyone at Jasper County High School and in the Monticello community who helped make this trip possible. Mrs. Clark and the students received valuable leadership training that they plan to put into practice throughout the upcoming school year.

Mrs. Clark stated, “Getting to the national level took a lot of hard work and dedication. I am so proud of both Katie and Amanda. Having a national winner from Jasper County is a wonderful feeling!”