Four students from Elberta Middle School earned top honors at the 2024 FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Seattle, Washington, held from June 29 to July 3.

The event brought together more than 8,000 students, educators and guests from across the country to enhance leadership skills, explore career pathways and listen to inspiring speakers.

The Elberta team — Avie Busby, Ryleigh Fogos, Michlynne Shaver and Emma Franks — competed in the highly anticipated Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events. Busby and Fogos participated in the Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation category, while Shaver and Franks took part in the Sports Nutrition category. Their dedication paid off, as all four students earned silver medals and placed within the top ten nationally in their respective categories.

The STAR Events, central to the conference, drew more than 4,300 FCCLA members competing in over 30 different categories. These events allowed students to showcase their skills in leadership, career preparation and project management. Participants tackled pressing issues affecting families, careers and communities by researching topics and advocating for positive change. The collaboration between students and adults in managing and judging these events gave participants hands-on experience in career-relevant fields.

For the Elberta students, the national recognition reflects months of hard work, creativity and a commitment to positively impacting the lives of others. Their projects stood out for their innovation and practical application, highlighting the value of the FCCLA STAR Events in preparing students for future success.

The FCCLA National Leadership Conference, an annual gathering of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, is designed to empower students with skills and knowledge that go beyond the classroom, fostering the next generation of leaders.