MEEKER | For Aimee Shults and Autumn Stallings, the recent National FCCLA Leadership Conference was more than just a competition — it marked the culmination of years of dedication, teamwork, and personal growth.
Shults, who graduated from Meeker High School this spring, closed a proud chapter of her high school journey, while Stallings looks ahead to a senior year full of promise.
As Shults reflected on her final FCCLA event, she described it as a “very bittersweet experience,” knowing it was not only her last chance to compete but also her last opportunity to represent Meeker High School.
“It was an accomplishment and honor to be able to compete at the national level for three years,” she said. “But this final competition was near and dear to my heart, being that it tied my two passions together — agriculture and education. So being able to bring the ‘Little Aggies’ to Orlando was a good way to finish off my career in this organization.”
This year, Shults competed in the Teaching Strategies STAR Event, where she had to create a mini-lesson incorporating three different teaching strategies from the rubric. Although she felt uncertain after presenting, she was thrilled to learn she had earned a gold medal.
“When I walked out of the competition room, I didn’t feel too confident about my performance,” she said. “But once placings were announced, I was surprised that I had finished gold.”
One of her favorite parts of the national conference was connecting with students from across the country and hearing their stories.
“I absolutely love being able to see all of the projects from all over the country and talking to different students about their experiences,” Shults said. “I am very much a talker, so going up to people and asking them questions has to be the best part of conferences like this.”
Reflecting on her early years in FCCLA, Shults said procrastination was once a major obstacle.
“I barely had my project completed before we left for state,” she said. “But I had worked on this for the past four years, and my project was 100% ready by February — three months before we left. So being able to be prompt and get things done before the deadline is something I’ll take with me.”
Shults added that the skills and connections gained through FCCLA will stay with her far beyond high school.
“This organization will be a forever skill that has already allowed me to accomplish so much since I graduated,” she said.
Shults is currently studying online through Utah State University while training and interning for the State Office of FFA. She plans to run next June. Depending on the results, she will either serve for a year or transfer to West Texas A&M University, where she plans to study agriculture education with an emphasis in agriculture communications.
“Without the confidence, leadership, and poise that I have gathered from my FCCLA career, I would not be able to run for State FFA Office,” she said. “This has been a huge goal for me for three years.”
Shults encouraged younger FCCLA members, especially those aiming for nationals, to stay committed despite setbacks.
“You have bad moments, not bad days,” she said. “Don’t let those moments drive you away from succeeding because you are frustrated. I almost let bad moments ruin a great organization for me. When times are hard, make sure you push through, because it is 100% worth it on the other side.”
While one chapter has closed for Shults, incoming senior Autumn Stallings is just beginning to step into a leadership role of her own.
Stallings competed in the Leadership STAR Event with a project titled “The Power of You,” which she developed to inspire her peers and community.
“I chose this topic because I wanted to show not just my peers, but all kids in the Meeker community, that they have the power to lead and make a difference, whether that be in big ways or small,” she said.
She spent months preparing and even implemented the project in her Teacher Cadet class, her Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) course at school. Her hard work paid off — Stallings placed 40th out of more than 100 competitors and earned a silver medal.
“For my first year competing, I was really proud of what I accomplished,” she said. “Competing at nationals gave me a new level of confidence and perspective. It showed me how much I am capable of when I commit to something fully.”
Stallings, who was recently elected as chapter secretary for Meeker FCCLA, is excited to take on new responsibilities.
“One of my biggest goals for this upcoming year is to return to nationals and continue to build on what I have learned,” she said. “I want to make the most of my senior year by giving back to an organization that has given me so much.”
She gives credit to FCCLA for helping her grow not only as a leader but as a person.
“It’s helped me become more confident in who I am,” Stallings said. “I’ve realized that being a leader doesn’t mean being perfect — it means being vulnerable, open to growth, and willing to learn from your mistakes. It’s strengthened my passion for working with students and helped guide me toward a future career in education.”
When asked what she would say to underclassmen thinking about joining FCCLA, Stallings advised underclassmen to take the leap and explore all that FCCLA has to offer.
“Go for it,” she said. “FCCLA is an incredible opportunity to grow as a person and a leader. You gain real-life skills, meet supportive people, and find out what you’re truly capable of. Whether you’re shy, like I once was, or outgoing, there’s a place for everyone — and it just might lead you to discover something you’re passionate about.”
As Shults transitions into the next phase of her academic and leadership journey, and Stallings prepares to guide her chapter through one final year, both young women carry with them the confidence, resilience, and purpose FCCLA helped instill.
Their experiences at the national conference are just one part of a larger story — one shaped by dedication, personal growth, and a drive to make a difference. Whether it’s standing in front of a classroom, leading a chapter meeting, or inspiring the next generation, Shults and Stallings are just getting started.
