Staff writer
Several Goessel High School Family, Career, and Community Leadership of America students earned top honors the first week of April at a state conference in Wichita. Three students qualified for the July 6 to 12 national FCCLA competition in Orlando, Fla.
“Probably the most exciting news was that Kara Schmucker earned top gold in her event, Senior Teach & Train, and will make her first appearance at nationals this summer,” adviser Gina Bergin said. “I am so proud of all these kids and the hard work they put into their projects this year.”
Darren Hammond took home a silver medal with his Junior Illustrated Talk about kitchen safety.
“Darren received a bronze at district, but worked hard the last few weeks to improve his presentation and was very excited with silver at state,” Bergin said.
Nate Bray earned top silver for his Junior Teach & Train project helping with a seventh-grade science class. Bray was commended for his enthusiasm on all three score sheets.
Tia Goertzen and Paige Booton earned top silver in their category of Senior Chapter Showcase Manual, missing the mark for nationals by a fraction of a point.
“The competition in this category was extremely tough this year,” Bergin said.
Nicki Bartel took second gold in her category, Senior Career Investigation, in which she researched the field of Accounting.
“In this event, each state sends two entries to nationals, so Nicki is Orlando bound,” Bergin said.
Alex Hiebert also took second gold in her category, Senior Recycle & Redesign, in which she redesigned an old tank-top and her older sister’s Elbiata dress into a completely new dress, including pockets, pleats, and ruffles. This category also allows for two entries at nationals, qualifying Hiebert for national competition.
Goertzen will serve as a STAR Event Judge at nationals and will travel with Schmucker, Bartel, Hiebert, and Bergin.