By Nancy Bowman
The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) has returned to the Tipp City Exempted Village Schools offering students development opportunities while supporting the community.
The organization recently was re-energized at the schools with Rita Potter serving as the FCCLA adviser.
“FCCLA supports students and the community where they are. We wanted to continue offering FCCLA leadership to students in a positive way that allows everyone to grow and learn to become successful family members and community leaders in a safe and respectful environment,” she said.
The central focus of FCCLA is the family with a goal to strengthen family, develop leadership and promote personal development while providing community support.
More than 200 students in the district are involved in the organization. Any student who has taken a Family and Consumer Sciences class can be part of this organization. “However, mostly students who are interested in service learning and leadership are an active part of the organization,” Potter said
A recent project – Cupcakes for a Cause – resulted from FCCLA members recognizing a need at the Family Abuse Shelter of Miami County and developing a project to support the shelter.
Students in fourth and fifth grades were teamed up with the high school FCCLA members to learn about measurement and baking cupcakes to support the cause.
“The shelter asked for new toys for the children and FCCLA stepped up to the plate to provide them. All students who participated in the event were asked to bring a new toy to donate as well as a small fee,” Potter said FCCLA students used the money to purchase older students at the shelter gifts as well.
“In each of these cases, students and our community win. FCCLA is not done yet; many more activities are being planned and we are always open for suggestions from our community members who see a need we can help fulfill,” Potter said.
As part of leadership development, FCCLA members participate with fellow organizations both near and far.
Red blazers sported by FCCLA students during state and national leadership conferences were purchased using a grant from the Tipp City Foundation.
Potter said her experience with FCCLA goes back to her freshman year in high school in southern Ohio.
“I had an amazing Family and Consumer Sciences instructor who encouraged a shy kid to become involved in an organization that she felt would be good for me. This organization led to so many wonderful life experiences and opened doors for me that I would not have had,” she said.
The organization also led to her career choice of becoming a Family and Consumer Science instructor. That career is now in its 23rd year.
FCCLA involves nearly 200,000 teens from around the world.
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