The Sallisaw High School Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America is well on its way to meeting new goals for the 2022-2023 school year. FCCLA is a student organization where members develop skills for life through: character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.

Sallisaw‚s long-time Family and Consumer Sciences teacher, Dulayna Murray, led the Sallisaw chapter to become a Gold Chapter of Excellence for the 2021-2022 school year. Earning this title meant numerous areas of achievement were met: student leadership, community service, competitions, and more.

In the spring of 2022 chapter officer, Noah Kokojan earned his place as the Northeast Region District 5, Vice President of Community Service. Sharing in this role of leadership are fellow NE5 District Officers from Sequoyah County: VP of STAR Events Payton Curran and VP of Public Relations Snowy Rich, both from Gore High School.

In addition to new leadership, Stephanie Bennett is now advising Sallisaw‚s FCCLA and this year‚s chapter officers are President Hannah Brake, Vice President Noah Kokojan, fellow officers Lily Wood, Ruby Allen, and Miriam Burmaster as the 8th Grade Representative. Each officer earned their position by completing an application, speech, and an interview process. In September, across the state of Oklahoma, chapter officers attended LEAD Conference, where they brought back skills to help build and maintain goals for their local chapters.

The Sallisaw Chapter consists of 100 percent affiliation from its Family and Consumer Sciences classes. Recently, members attended the NE5 District Leadership Conference at Tahlequah High School. “Get Fired Up With NE5” was a country & western themed conference packed with fun activities, an incredible keynote speaker & artist, and completing its service project with a blanket drive. Sallisaw 8th Grade FCCLA members made fleece blankets for the blanket drive, which will be donated to the Citizens Caring for Children non-profit organization in Oklahoma City. The CCC provides resources for foster children all across the state of Oklahoma.

This school year looks bright for the Black Diamond FCCLA with many opportunities planned for members to take part in, such as STAR Event competitions and local community service projects. Be looking for the Wizard of Oz booth during Halloween on Elm for tasty treats and photo opportunities with Dorothy (President Hannah Brake) and her friends.