Brookings middle, freshman and senior chapters of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America attended the FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Sioux Falls on April 21-23.

There were 52 students from Brookings in attendance and all participated in STAR Events, workshops, leadership development opportunities and more. BSD chapters were very successful in the competitive event named STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) events. In this event, students are recognized for proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. Eight students have qualified for nationals and will have the opportunity to compete in Seattle, Washington, this summer at the 2024 National Leadership Conference.

Those qualifiers include: Emma Covrig (eighth grade), Kavish Salunke (ninth grade), Sophie Loomis (10th grade), Cadence Dauer (10th grade), Ellie Covrig (11th grade), Lada Senchanka (11th grade), Yuki Zhu (11th grade) and Cade Christianson (12th grade).

Students earning Top Superior Awards include: Madi Ballis (sixth grade), Emma Covrig (eighth grade), Kavish Salunke (ninth grade), Tavyn Everding (ninth grade), Finn Bartlett (ninth grade), Tyler Schulte (ninth grade), Clare Overby (ninth grade), Sophie Loomis (10th grade), Cadence Dauer (10th grade), Lauren Bortnem (10th grade), Amelia Wendell (10th grade), Olivia Hove (10th grade), Taya Haselhorst (10th grade), Anika Webster (11th grade), Riley Schwinler (11th grade), Ellie Covrig (11th grade), Lada Senchanka (11th grade), Yuki Zhu (11th grade) and Cade Christianson (12thgrade).

Additionally, the Senior FCCLA Chapter was recognized as a gold Merit Chapter Award recipient.

Two members of the Brookings Senior Chapter planned and presented workshops at the state meeting as part of their State Leadership Team duties. The State Leadership teams are groups of students from across the state that work together to educate FCCLA members in South Dakota about their chosen cause. The students who served during the 2023-24 school year include Cade Christianson and Ellie Covrig. The Brookings Senior Chapter will be represented once again as Riley Schwinler earned a seat on the National Outreach State Leadership Team for the 2024-25 school year.