RBC | Students from both Meeker and Rangely High Schools made a significant impact at the recent Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference, showcasing their skills and knowledge in a diverse range of competitions. The impressive results highlight the dedication of students and advisors alike, with four local students earning the opportunity to compete at the national level in Orlando, Florida, this summer.
Meeker High School sent a strong contingent of 10 competitors, bringing home an impressive haul of six gold medals, three silver medals, and one bronze. Their outstanding performance also earned them the prestigious Gold Chapter of Merit Award, a recognition that celebrates chapters demonstrating exceptional involvement and participation in FCCLA activities at the local, district, state, and national levels. This award marks a significant achievement for Meeker High School, as it has been several years since they last received this honor.
Rangely High School, in its inaugural year of FCCLA competition, proved to be a formidable presence, with their seven competitors earning two silver medals. This early success speaks volumes about the enthusiasm and talent within the Rangely program.
The pinnacle of the conference saw four local students qualify for the FCCLA National Leadership Conference. Aimee Shults from Meeker High School secured a first-place gold medal in Teaching Strategies. Her insightful project explored the vital role agriculture plays in everyone’s lives. Fellow Meeker High School student Autumn Stallings also earned a gold medal and a national qualification in Leadership, with a project focused on her personal leadership growth and identifying areas for continued development.
Josie Hamblin and Zoie Britt of Rangely High School demonstrated exceptional teamwork and knowledge in Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation, earning a silver medal and second place in their category.
Reflecting on the students’ achievements, Mrs. Hummel, an advisor for the Meeker chapter, shared her pride, stating, “I love seeing students succeed in academic competitions. It means that I am doing a good job teaching them, and they’re doing their job being great students, learning and demonstrating skills and knowledge.”
Advisor Jimmie Mergelman of the Rangely chapter is proud of her students stepping out of their comfort zone and trying new things. We look forward to growing as a chapter in the years to come.
The Meeker High School students who competed and their results are as follows:
Aimee Shults: Teaching Strategies – Gold – 1st Place
Autumn Stallings: Leadership – Gold – 1st Place
Emma Bauer: Fashion Construction – Gold – 3rd Place
Rebecca Hood: Career Investigation – Gold
Lissbeth Sanchez: Job Interview – Gold
Aurora Stallings: Job Interview – Gold
Shailee Rundberg: Professional Presentation – Silver
Sienna Rolen: Interior Design – Silver
Kailynn Watson: Interpersonal Communications – Silver
The Rangely High School students who competed include:
Josie Hamblin: Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation – Silver – 2nd Place
Zoie Britt: Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation – Silver – 2nd Place
Paola Munoz – Leadership- Silver
Emeree Wagner- Nutrition and Wellness- Bronze
Emma Winder – Nutrition and Wellness- Bronze
Alivia Green- Fashion Construction- Bronze
Jasmine Preciado – Interpersonal Communications – Silver
As Aimee Shults and Autumn Stallings from Meeker, along with Josie Hamblin and Zoie Britt from Rangely, prepare for their trip to the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando this July, the community is encouraged to look out for upcoming fundraisers to support their journey. These talented students will represent Rio Blanco County on a national stage, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication fostered within their FCCLA chapters and Family and Consumer Science Classes.
