The FCCLA team competed in their second FCCLA leadership conference and for the second year in a row all students advanced to the state level. They did not have anyone advance to nationals but they were very close.

“The kids stretched their abilities, got out their comfort zones, mastered teamwork, perseverance and knowledge of their subjects and did extremely well,” FCCLA sponsor Kimberly Baker said. “To even place at the State level is something that the kids can be extremely proud of.”

With over 4,000 entries in this year’s state competition the freshman team advanced to 4th in state and the new Hospitality Tourism and Recreation team came in 3rd with every member being awarded $4,000 in scholarships each.

“I am extremely pleased with all the kids that advanced to state,” Baker said. “Even if they didn’t place, they worked their tails of to even get to this point and learned some valuable lessons that they can take forward into the next competition and in life in general.”

The teams will begin planning for next years competition as soon as possible. Enjoying the bonding process through long hours of preparing and working.

“We had lots of fun at the conference, enjoyed ‘family’ meals, lots of laughs and I must say that I think I have the best kids at DHS,” Baker said. “I look forward to watching them grow even more.”