EHS FCCLA takes home gold

d Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) once again took home top honors at the National FCCLA competition in San Antonio, Texas.

Competing against nearly 7,500 students from around the nation, Encampment students competed in the occupational division. FCCLA facilitator Cheryl Munroe said occupational is one of the toughest divisions at FCCLA nationals.

Munroe said while there were 16 students eligible, she only took five to nationals.

Michelle Hooker and Becca Treat took home the gold medal in the children development occupational division for their project "The Focus on Children". After seeing some of the younger students at the school not being dressed appropriately for the frigid Wyoming weather, Hooker and Treat did a project which informed younger students on what to wear in certain weather.

Harold Jackson, Matthew Jarrett and Brett Rolston claimed silver for a project on sports nutrition. Munroe said the boys did a lot of research about athletes and coming up with appropriate dietary plans.

"They did very well on the trip," Munroe said. "I'm very proud of them."

Through support from local businesses, and group fundraising, Munroe said they drove from Encampment to San Antonio. The reason for driving was to introduce students to America, Munroe said. The students also took a day trip to the Texas coast in Corpus Christi and toured many attractions in the area.

While winning national awards is a tremendous honor, Munroe said awards are not the only thing she hopes her students get out of the FCCLA.

She believes the skills that the students learn in FCCLA apply to the real world, and that students are able to extend the walls of the classroom through the program.

"I hope these are assets they can take with them," Munroe said.