SANTA MARIA — Pioneer Valley High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America zoomed their way to the top during the 73rd annual FCCLA State Leadership Conference recently.
The conference, held virtually this year due to the global pandemic, involved about 75 chapters, including members, advisors, administrators, and business and industry representatives from across the state. Students competed in 26 events for more $1,344,585 in cash and scholarships in leadership and career development areas. Panther scholarship amounts are pending, according to teachers Melissa Diaz and Jenn Montanez.
Charlize Placenica, 11th grade, took first place in the state in the Child Development Competition. Gabriela Barajas, 11th grade, nailed first place in Menu Planning and Table display. Javier Alvarez, 10thgrade, earned second place in Sewing Construction. Finally, Perla Chavez and Marissa Cabrera took third place in the team competition Repurpose and Redesign.
“I am extremely thankful for FCCLA and its opportunities it has given me,’’ Barajas said. “Once this virus took over the world, I thought the state competition was completely over and I was just thankful to place at regional competitions. Knowing there are many opportunities out there waiting for us all if, you just go for it. It is very uplifting, especially in these times to know something amazing came from all of my hard work. I am immensely proud of my fellow classmates and mentors for all of their hard work and dedication. They are my true motivation and inspiration.”
“Learning that I won first place in the state shined a light on my life especially during these difficult times,’’ Placencia said. “Being my first year in FCCLA and placing first place in both regional and state competitions has been a huge blessing and beyond what I could have imagined. I’m thankful for my friends who encouraged me and my mentors from school who have supported me through this amazing journey. I will always be grateful for the experiences and opportunities FCCLA has given me.’’
Diaz and Montanez added, “We are so thankful that our organization adapted to this current crisis and still held a virtual state conference to recognize and honor the hard work and talent of our students.”