After a two year absence FCCLA once again were able to attend their State Leadership Conference in Seven Springs. Seniors and cub officers Ashley Cramer and Ashley Cumpston attended as well as competed in two different competitions.

Ashley Cramer competed with a project called Teach and Train where she taught a First Aid and CPR class and assembled an electronic portfolio explaining all aspects of her project. 

“It was so refreshing to be able to compete again and be able to attend an in-person conference,” said Cramer. “Even though this project was much harder than my previous one, it was so worth it.”

Ashley Cumpston competed with a Chapter in Review project where she highlighted community involvement and service that Norwin’s chapter of FCCLA organizes and participates in. 

“It was really exciting to be able to highlight the awesome projects we do in FCCLA here at Norwin,” said Cumpston. “Along with competing it was nice to attend workshops such as jewelry making and listening to keynote speakers.”

Cramer and Cumpston as well as their advisor Mrs. Greene spent March 21 through 23 at Seven Springs attending leadership workshops, interacting with other chapters and preparing for their presentations. 

“I’m really proud of these girls,” said Mrs. Greene. “They worked really hard on their projects. I was bittersweet watching them work so hard on their last competition.”

After presenting their projects on the Tuesday March 22, Cramer and Cumpston impatiently waited for the next day where their scores would be announced. 

“The next twenty four hours after presenting were always so nerve racking,” said Cramer. “I couldn’t help but think about how the judges may have perceived my project and graded it.” 

Cramer came in second in the state with her Teach and Train project as well as receiving National Team Honors which allows her to go to San Diego June 29 through July 3. 

“Although it was disappointing to come in second place I’m still so excited to attend Nationals this summer,” said Cramer. “I’m going to improve my project and really aim for first in the nation.”

Cumpston came in first in the state as well as also making the National Team for Pennsylvania with her Chapter in Review project. 

“I’m so excited to have done as well as I did this year,” said Cumpston. “I didn’t do this well my freshman year so doing this well this time is really an accomplishment. I can’t wait to attend nationals with Ashley and hopefully do even better this summer in San Diego.” 

Cramer and Cumpston attribute their success to their advisor Mrs Greene.

“Throughout my years of being a member of FCCLA and the past three years of being an officer Mrs. Greene has really helped me to build my leadership skills and just become a better person,” said Cramer. “Without her I never would have been able to do as much with FCCLA as I have. I was able to attend Nationals in Anaheim my freshman year and now I get to do it again because of her guidance and dedication to us and FCCLA.”

Cumpston reiterated similar remarks.

“Mrs. Greene has really helped me to develop as a person,” said Cumpston. “Her guidance for States as well as just being an officer has helped to teach me things that I never would have learned otherwise.”

Both Ashley Cramer and Ashley Cumpston will be attending the National Leadership Conference in San Diego this summer with their projects.

“I can’t wait to attend Nationals for the second and final time,” said Cramer. “These past five years that I have been a part of FCCLA have truly shaped me into the person I am today. I will always look back on my time in this club and appreciate the lasting effects FCCLA and Mrs. Greene has had on me.”