Research and presentations in event planning and career investigations are sending two HHS students to State for FCCLAs Star Events. Senior Camrie Farran and freshman Kirstyn Murrow qualified Feb. 12 after competing at the Regional Star Event competition in Emporia. Both girls are first-time participants in Star events and have contributed many hours to their projects.
Their work began last fall and has continued throughout the school year.
Murrow chose to compete in the category, Life Event Planning. Her project details a formal high school dance by way of a Powerpoint.
I decided to do a formal dance because only juniors and seniors get to go to prom, and I wanted to plan a night when everyone could get dressed up and enjoy the event, Murrow said.
Her plan revolves around Valentines Day which led to her theme, Queen of Hearts. From there, Murrow researched costs for things such as decorations, catering and music.
Murrow thoroughly practiced her speech detailing her project with FCCLA sponsor Callee Kaufman. Participants were limited to 10 minutes.
Farrans project was in Career Investigations, with a focus on becoming an elementary teacher. Farran researched its salary, education necessary, and the experience one would need to be successful.
Farran said the project was a good fit for her because she has always liked working with kids and has wanted to be a school teacher from a young age. Also, Farrans older sister is a teacher at Humboldt Middle School, and she is an aide in her classroom so this helped with some of the more personal research for her project.
I am passionate about teaching because I want to change and shape childrens lives for the better, Farran said. I love watching children grow and being a part of that and helping them reach their goals would make me very happy.
Farran also presented her Star Event in the form of a Powerpoint. She began her research by looking at the average salary and the job outlook for those graduating with degrees in education. Farran researched the wide range of responsibilities of teachers everywhere, but she eventually narrowed her research down to Humboldt because that is where she wants to eventually teach after she completes her education. Farran interviewed elementary principal, Staci Hudlin, about what she expects from teachers and what responsibilities they have.
When the judging was over, Farran said, My first emotion when I found out I qualified was excitement, but then after thinking about it, I got a little nervous about competing at the state level. I will be ready though. I plan to make improvements to my speech and make sure it is ready for more advanced judging.
Farran and Murrow said they will take the critiques from regional judges to heart in their preparation for the April 7 state competition in Wichita.
If they place there, their next stop will be at nationals in California over the summer.
In addition to Murrow and Farran, ten other FCCLA members participated in the Feb. 12 competition.
