Effingham County High School FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) student Rajvi Dave scored an impressive Gold in Leadership at the National Leadership Conference.

The annual national conference, with the theme “Reality Check,” was held July 7-12 at the Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Fla. Three students from ECHS — Dave, Kalonna Brown and Hannah Flewallen — attended along with FCCLA advisor Victoria Neurath.

“This is an important event for students because they get a chance to attend seminars on FCCLA programs, leadership skills and youth workshops on teen issues,” Neurath said.

The objective of FCCLA is to help students improve personal, family and community living with a focus on creating a better world.

More than 6,800 middle and high school students from across the U.S. attended the conference. Of those, more than 3,600 competed in the Star Events competition. STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events are competitive events in which members are recognized for proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills and career preparation.

Competing in the individual Leadership Event category, Dave gave a presentation to a panel of judges on how she has grown in her leadership potential at ECHS. She used the Student Leadership Challenge and supporting materials to investigate her leadership ability and developed a mentorship relationship to further her leadership development.

Dave is currently serving as junior class president at ECHS and advisor liaison for FCCLA. She is a member of the National Honor Society and several other student organizations.

“Being a part of so many clubs and organizations at Effingham County High has helped me gain the necessary confidence required to compete at the national level,” Dave said.

FCCLA is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and organized by student members, Neurath said. She added that it is the only career and technical in-school student organization with the family as its central focus. Participation in national programs and chapter activities helps members choose to become strong leaders in their families, careers and communities.

“ECHS is so very proud of Rajvi for her success in receiving such an award. She is looking forward to another successful year in FCCLA and having the opportunity to compete again in the Star Events competition,” Neurath said.