Grace is the 2020-21 Harrisburg FCCLA Vice President and National Outreach Team Leadership Member and will serve as 2021-22 Region VI President and 2021-22 State FCCLA Officer, at the State Conference!
With CTE Month in full swing, National FCCLA Week, Feb. 8th - 13th celebrates all things family, career, community, and leadership. With CTE programs in Education & Training and Human Service, along with Hospitality & Tourism at HHS, FCCLA adds opportunities for learners to showcase content knowledge, develop leadership skills, and have fun with peers.
HHS FCCLA standout, Grace Starr has always been interested in going above and beyond. She has volunteered and played competitive tennis for years but was exposed to FCCLA while in Mrs. Kern’s FACS course. As a freshman, she competed in Illustrated Talk, focused on interior design, won at the state level, and advanced to the national competition.
“I have always been ambitious, but realizing I may fail, the payoff will be there; it’s all about the process,” Starr stated when asked about the greatest learning outcome from her involvement in CTE programs. “The relationships and leadership growth is what keeps bringing me back to CTSOs and being involved.” She encourages others to get involved, “Don’t be afraid to reach out, chapter officers and advisors are welcoming; they share their knowledge and grow your interests.”
Confident in the process and her leadership abilities, Grace hopes to attend the Air Force Academy or West Point to continue to develop those skills and one day own a marketing or real-estate business. Not one to limit her experiences, Starr joined FFA this year after her grandpa passed away, due to his passion for agriculture. “Although Grace has not been an FFA member for long, she naturally fits and has taken on a leadership role in our organization, “ Ms. Fastert, co-advisor of FFA noted.
Mrs. Kern, FCCLA co-advisor shared, “Grace is one of those students who fully jumped into any opportunity, her parents are great supporters, and she has learned so much from the leadership process; she trusts herself.” That trust has landed Grace a spot on the FCCLA State Officer team, her position will be announced in April at the state conference.
Although experience and leadership development is important, “CTSOs have helped my communication skills and really helped my ACT prep,” Starr noted. The benefits from CTE programming and CTSO involvement are immeasurable. Final wise words from FCCLA star and FFA newcomer, “Be kind and have courage!”. Enjoy National FCCLA Week!