Jefferson High Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) impressed at the National Leadership Conference in Denver over the summer with multiple top-10 finishes including a first-place victory for their work with Boulder Elementary’s cheer camp.
Juniors Brookie May and Mel Zitnik presented their community project to a crowd of nearly 8,000 attendees in early July, but the pair couldn’t have imagined that their names would be called as top in the nation.
“We were just praying so much,” recalled Zitnik.
May and Zitnik told The Monitor that the project was intended to teach young girls confidence and self-affirmation through a fun and challenging experience that connected Jefferson High leaders with the next generation of Panthers.
The young cheerleaders quickly became a highlight at several JHS events and even performed in front of a delighted crowd at Clancy Days.
Elle Werner was also honored for her part in the venture when the group won the state meet. Unfortunately, Werner was unable to attend the National Conference due to a conflict with her participation in rodeo.
Austie May and Izzy Morris [2023 JHS graduates] also represented Jefferson High at Nationals with top-10 finishes in a division that was separated by only 10 points from first to 10th place.
However, the trip to Colorado was not all business. The group enjoyed a Rockies baseball game, a trip to the zoo and a trip to an amusement park. They were also fortunate to network with other chapters from all over the country.
May and Zitnik admit that while the trip was an experience they won’t soon forget, everyone involved had to fundraise “super hard” to make it possible.
This year the club is hoping to once again attend the National Conference with an even more ambitious project.
“This year they want to improve the safety of Boulder Elementary School by helping raise the necessary funds and supplies to put a sidewalk along the playground,” said Chapter Leader Cassidy Parsons. “They are working with the school to get crosswalks painted on the streets within the next couple of weeks.”
May and Zitnik told The Monitor that they hope to have the youngsters get involved by painting their own artwork on the sidewalk.
According to Parsons, the Jefferson High FCCLA chapter’s success has helped the program grow with eight new members joining their ranks this year. May and Zitnik have also been voted president and vice president of the club, respectively.
“The best part of FCCLA is just getting involved in the community,” Brookie May said. “It’s a great way to help out.”
Anyone interested in donating to this year’s project can email May at brooklynn.may@myjhs.org or Parsons at cassidy.parsons@jhs.k12.mt.us.
