Madisyn Havenstein and Kaelyn Conrad pose with their STAR event materials. STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events allow FCCLA students to complete projects and compete with other students around the state. Havenstein and Conrad made baskets for children recovering from surgery for the “Helping Hands” event. They will compete at state later this semester.
FCCLA Students elected to district offices
FCCLA students recently participated in district elections and STAR Event competitions.
Two students ran for district offices this year. Freshman Annie Wright was elected as the alternate Vice President of STAR Events and sophomore Kaelyn Conrad is the District D Vice President of Public Relations. Conrad’s new responsibilities include running the district’s Instagram page as well as writing monthly newsletters.
Conrad was eager to run for an office this year, as she wants to be as involved as possible in the program.
“I’ve run for the last two years. Because I’m very passionate about the FCCLA program and enjoy making decisions for it,” she said.
Conrad is among 20 WHS students who will take their STAR Event’s to the state competition in April. She and sophomore Madisyn Havenstein created their Helping Hands star event, where they created care baskets for young children recovering from surgery. They made baskets consisting of coloring books and pencils, cups with reusable straws, and teddy bears. They then delivered them to patients at the Topeka Ear, Nose & Throat surgery center.
“Their reactions were so cute! One kid even started crying,” Conrad said.
“After we gave them out, we both felt really good, because it just felt good giving back to the community and being able to help others heal,” Havenstein said.
Also taking their STAR Event to state are seniors Macy Falk and Kaytlyn Meseke. They competed in food innovations, with the task of creating a plant-based traditional dinner entree. They decided to make a bread bowl and vegetable soup, which they called “VegetaBOWL Soup.” They made it twice, then asked people to taste and evaluate it. To prepare for the district competition, they created packaging, a name, figured out all the nutritional information, and prepared a presentation for the judges.
“It is very exciting to be taking 20 students to compete at state this year for our chapter,” FCCLA sponsor Keeley Reddick said. “I’m so proud of their hard work and dedication to their projects. We hope to qualify everyone for nationals this summer.”
— Kendyl Bolinder, @Bolinderkendyl
The Charger 
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