From March 16-18, Millbrook’s Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) attended their State Leadership Conference in Greensboro, which they have been preparing for all year. FCCLA is one of Millbrook’s most successful clubs, with 60-70 members typically competing, and most placing in the top five groups for their categories. Those who place in the top two qualify to attend the National Leadership Conference, which this year will be held in Washington D.C. in June.
FCCLA members compete within their STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events; projects they develop throughout the year to make a difference in their community in some way. Categories are very diverse, there are STAR Events like Baking and Pastry, Early Childhood Education, and Sustainability Challenge.
Some of this year’s topics addressed within Millbrook’s chapter were disconnecting from phone and social media usage, noise pollution, keeping a balanced plate, and event planning.
Millbrook FCCLA is led by Lisa Ellstrom, who has been advising the chapter for 19 years. She is extremely dedicated to the club, devoting hours after school each day to assist students with anything they need (especially helping to make each group’s intricate tri-fold boards, a Millbrook FCCLA specialty). Her care and guidance is a major reason the club has had so much success.
This year, 25 groups placed within the top five, totaling 62 students. Among those competitors was junior Seve Soler, who participated in Promote and Publicize Level 3, where he and his group promoted different events like the Millbrook Curriculum Fair, Spotlight on FCCLA, and the FCCLA Tailgate.
Soler shared, “Going to Greensboro with our FCCLA chapter is so hectic but so much fun. We are working really hard to complete everything before we compete, but the stress honestly creates such a strong family atmosphere where everyone feels close. I have so much fun talking to everyone; all of my friends in FCCLA are so supportive, they are constantly hyping you up or being uplifting.”
For many students, FCCLA is a place where they’ve grown personally and academically. Millbrook FCCLA Co-President Kennedy Rivers has been involved in the club all four years of high school and says she couldn’t imagine her high school experience without it. Rivers shared, “I’ve enjoyed my fourth and final year of FCCLA, especially since I’ve gotten to serve as our chapter president! Watching all of the freshmen and sophomores compete for the first time was so fun and I loved being able to help them with their STAR Events/competing projects. I can’t wait to see all of the amazing things our chapter does next year, and this year at nationals!”
Amazingly, 12 groups placed in the top two events in their categories, allowing them the opportunity to attend the week-long NLC this summer. Senior Mckenzie Delaney, who placed second in Professional Presentation this year, says FCCLA has allowed her to develop her leadership, public speaking, teamwork, and goal setting skills.
Delaney shared, “I think you should join FCCLA because it gives you so many opportunities to gain those skills, but also that I have made some of my best friends through FCCLA. I remember my freshman year I was really quiet and kept to myself. Once I joined FCCLA, I had to put myself out there more, and the people I talked to are now my best friends.”
Nationals are always a highlight of the year for FCCLA competitors. Junior Selena Perez stated, “Me and my partner Meghan were super excited about getting first place and placing for nationals. Last year we had so much fun and we’re glad we get to experience it again. We are also super excited to visit DC! Our STAR Event is Interpersonal Communication and our project was about teaching teens and young adults how to close the curtains on workplace conflict.”
An exciting piece of news from this year’s FCCLA SLC is junior and former Millbrook student Mehr Kapoor becoming the North Carolina FCCLA President as well as the Vice President of Community Service. Kapoor was a member of Millbrook’s FCCLA chapter her sophomore year, and although she now attends the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, she still competes with Millbrook FCCLA, and says that Millbrook FCCLA and the relationships she’s built within the club are everything to her.
Kapoor specifically notes that Millbrook FCCLA’s leaders, specifically Lisa Ellstrom, have taught her that “having a big personality, and being a strong-willed, confident, and determined leader is nothing to shy away from.”
The application process included essays, teacher recommendations, and service and extracurricular loggings. Kapoor applied solely to be Vice President of Community Service, but found out she would be the next NC FCCLA President at States. She describes the feeling as “surreal” and “unexpected,” but she is ready and eager to take on the role.
Mehr’s biggest goal as president is to create a resource bank with other organizations FCCLA is affiliated with, with the goal of providing resources for extracurriculars related to various career sectors and interests.
The 2026 State Leadership Conference marked another incredible year for Millbrook FCCLA. With 29 students qualifying for the National Leadership Conference this June, the chapter continues to showcase the power of student leadership, collaboration, and service.
