Emily Faulkenberry of Marietta has made it to the final round of voting for the 2023-2024 state officer team of the Oklahoma CareerTech Family, Career and Community Leaders of America student organization. Faulkenberry is one of 17 contenders vying for a position on the 11-person team.
Faulkenberry, a sophomore at Marietta High School, is the daughter of Bobby and Amanda Faulkenberry.
Family and Consumer Sciences Education, and its affiliated student organization FCCLA, are integral components in the CareerTech system. This national student organization helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work and societal issues. More than 16,000 students in Oklahoma high school and technology center campuses are members of FCCLA.
The interview process began January 26 to determine the final slate for state FCCLA officer elections to be held April 6 at the state convention in Oklahoma City.
“Students were interviewed, tested over FCCLA facts, and presented a one-minute speech within their region,” said Brittani Phillips, state FCCLA advisor. “Seventeen students were chosen from the second round of interviews and will have their names on the final ballot. We have a wonderful ballot and look forward to these future leaders taking office and helping move Oklahoma FCCLA forward.”
State officer team members are responsible for duties such as planning and conducting workshops, installing district officers, and leading chapter officer training. The officer team also plans and presides over state convention, works with members to increase membership, and helps to raise awareness of FCCLA in the state.
“Throughout the year, FCCLA members tackle issues such as teen violence prevention, traffic safety, family issues, career exploration and much more,” Phillips said. “FCCLA programs enrich student learning, improve self-esteem, and serve students with a range of ability levels, economic situations, and cultural influences.”
On a national level, FCCLA has more than 205,000 members and over 5,300 chapters from 50 state associations, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The organization has involved more than 10 million youth since its founding in 1945.
FCCLA is one of seven CareerTech student organizations affiliated with CareerTech programs. The other six include FFA and Agricultural Education, DECA and Marketing Education, HOSA and Health Careers Education, Business Professionals of America and Business and Information Technology Education, Technology Student Association and Technology Engineering, and SkillsUSA and Trade and Industry Education.
For more information about FCCLA, e-mail Brittani Phillips at brittani.phillips@careertech.ok.gov or call 405-743-5467. For more information about CareerTech student organizations, visit www.okcareertech.org/main/students.htm.