Since 1945, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America student members have become leaders in addressing personal, family, work and societal issues in family and consumer sciences education. At Jordan High, these student leaders embraced FCCLA week Feb. 8-14 with their peers, educating them in the importance of being active leaders.

Each day, the students took the theme, “Together We Are…” and held lunchtime activities. For example, on Feb. 9, students had a photo booth so the theme was “Together We Are…Making Headlines.” Another day, students held throwback games to honor the organization’s 70-year history with “Together We Are…Making History.”

On another day, they teamed up with the culinary arts program and ProStart students to offer cinnamon rolls to students for $1 to the theme of “Together We Are…At the Table,” showing the importance of families eating together, and at the same time, donating the proceeds from the sales to benefit Share our Strength, a nonprofit organization designed to reduce child hunger.

“The students planned the activities as it is a student-led organization,” adviser Natalie Hancock said. “FCCLA activities help members become strong leaders in their families, careers and communities.”

Hancock said that through a fall leadership conference, the eight officers learned how they each lead and how they best can work together. From performing community service, such as making and donating a decorated tree to Festival of Trees, to FCCLA competitions, the 85 student members learn teamwork, leadership, oral and written communication skills and how to make connections to careers.

Recently, 32 Jordan students participated in the regional FCCLA competition Jan. 28, bringing back gold, silver and bronze medals. Twenty-six Jordan High students qualified and plan to compete at the state contest March 10-11 at the Davis County Convention Center.

“Our students are sharing with other students how careers relate to the family and consumer science curriculum and what skills they learn from the FCCLA organization,” Hancock said. “It’s making a difference in their lives and that of those around them.”