Five students from the Effingham College and Career Academy chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) recently participated in a weekend leadership conference at The Classic Center in Athens.

Wearing red shirts, the attendees participated in competitions, a career and trade expo, University of Georgia tours, educational demonstrations and workshops and leadership sessions. The FCCLA State Leadership Conference theme, “Code Red,” aimed to inspire students and advisors to be involved in “leadership to the extreme.”

The state leadership meeting concluded with the announcement of STAR events award winners and the induction of 2014-15 state officers. The ECCA FCCLA took home five awards.

Haleigh Helmly, a South Effingham High School senior, competed in baking and pastry and won second place out of 28 students. Helmly won $100 cash and a $1,500 scholarship to the Culinary Institute of America.

Jessica Medina, a SEHS junior, competed in chicken fabrication and took second place out of 25 students. Medina won $100 cash.
Effingham County High School sophomore Megan Driggers received a silver medal in job interview, and SEHS senior Victoria Harden earned a silver medal in nutrition and wellness.

Malaika Garrett a SEHS senior, competed in hospitality, tourism and recreation and received a silver medal. She will continue on to the national competition in San Antonio, Texas, in July.

FCCLA is a national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education.