Six Lufkin High Students Advance to State FCCLA Competition

Six Lufkin High School students are advancing to state competition in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). The regional FCCLA winners will advance to state competition April 5-7 in Dallas. 

According to a press release from Lufkin ISD, the district hasn't competed in this event since 2004 due to participation in the local Angelina County Fair. Now that the fair has moved to a later date, Lufkin ISD was able to register students for STAR events at the FCCLA. 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. Each event is designed to help members develop specific lifetime skills in character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communications, practical knowledge, and career preparation.

Mikai Parks (far left) placed first place in Mystery Basket, an individual event that recognizes participants enrolled in occupational food service training programs for their ability to display knowledge and skill-based learning of Culinary Arts. Students produce a single plate containing a serving of protein, starch, and a vegetable. Participants are judged on proper use of culinary tools, professional culinary techniques, personal creativity, and safety. The student must develop a time allotment plan, create a menu to be produced, and prepare and plate the menu in an allotted time frame.

Tiara Vallejo (far right) also received first place in Teach and Train, which is an individual event that recognizes participants for their exploration of the education and training fields through extensive research, teacher interviews and hands-on experience in the classroom as a result of an internship in the Education and Training Family & Consumer Science course. Participants must prepare a portfolio of the teaching training career, and prepare and execute a complete lesson plan including three activities or a workshop plan. Students present a 20-minute oral presentation to professional evaluators.

Priscilla Gonzalez (3rd from left) placed second and Cho Meh (2nd from right) placed fourth in Fashion Construction, an individual event that allows participants to apply fashion construction skills learned in Family & Consumer Science courses to create a display using samples of their skills.

Kendall Jackson (2nd from left) placed second in the Cupcake Battle, an individual event that promotes Hospitality and Culinary Arts. Each student must bake, decorate and display six cupcakes that are evaluated on overall appearance, cake flavor, texture, doneness, frosting consistency, flavor, originality, and mise en place. Participants also prepare a file folder and respond to evaluator questions.

Kiannah Murray (3rd from right) placed sixth in Interviewing Skills, an individual event that recognizes participants who use Family & Consumer Science or related occupations skills to develop a portfolio, participate in an interview, and communicate a personal understanding of job requirements. Students must prepare a portfolio, including a job application, and express their communication skills and job knowledge through an interview.

Other students who attended are: Dariana Monsivais, Said Rosales, Brittany Shires, LaQueria White, Haley Young, and Jaden Wortham.