Hot Springs students earn medals at leadership conference

Erica Cannon, Elijah Campbell and Hollis Key from Hot Springs recently attended the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America 2023 State Leadership Conference in Bozeman, March 16-17. FCCLA’s 2023 SLC drew over 500 members, advisers, and supporters from across the state with opportunities for personal development, career exploration, and community service.

The event was made possible through a sponsorship by the Montana State University College of Education, Health and Human Development.

While at the conference, these students competed in STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) events, where students showcased their efforts and accomplishments in areas including career development, community service, and entrepreneurship. Events also included student projects in areas related specifically to Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) content Including child development, nutrition and wellness, personal finance, fashion design, interior design, and career development.

Erica and Hollis received gold medals and second place overall for their Focus on Children project highlighting their math and reading tutoring with the Hot Springs kindergarten class.

Elijah received a gold medal and third place overall for his Hospitality and Tourism project in which he created a portfolio for a boutique hotel concept.

All three students will attend and compete at the National Leadership Conference in Denver this summer.

Conference sponsors Included the MSU College of Education, Health and Human Development, Gallatin College, Montana Chamber Foundation, Montana Mex, Zwilling JA Henckels, Youth Service America, and the Montana Department of Transportation. MDT also presented the Vision Zero awards at the conference, recognizing chapters Implementing projects targeted to teens with the goal of reducing distracted driving.

MDT grants provided funding for chapters to develop these projects and also awarded cash prizes to the top three applicants.