Students from Umatilla High School’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Chapter recently competed in the Oregon FCCLA State Leadership Conference, held April 12-13 in Hermiston, Oregon.
A total of 12 students represented Umatilla, showcasing their skills in career readiness, leadership, and food service. Of the 12 who competed, seven earned top scores and qualified to compete in the National Leadership Conference held in Washington D.C. this July.
At the conference, students competed in events including Career Investigation, Food Innovation, Culinary Arts, and Focus on Children.
The following students qualified to represent Umatilla at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference:
Patricia Oseguera Gonzalez - Food Innovation - Gold Score
Daniela Lopez Ordaz - Food Innovation - Gold Score
Jocelyn Morales - Career Investigation - Gold Score
Joana Gallegos - Focus on Children - Silver Score
Cindy Oseguera Gonzalez - Career Investigation - Gold Score
Eduardo Cruz - Career Investigation - Silver Score
Krystal Jaimes - Career Investigation - Silver Score
In addition to these results, two Umatilla students were selected to serve on the Oregon FCCLA State Officer Team. Their selection reflects their leadership, commitment to FCCLA, and dedication to representing their peers at the state level.
Among those who competed was Miguel Cisneros, a senior who participated in Culinary Arts Level 3. As part of the event, he prepared a full meal in front of judges within a set time limit, following a provided recipe. Miguel prepared dishes including chicken piccata, Greek salad, and orzo pilaf, carefully managing both time and technique.
The competition required students to plan ahead by identifying needed equipment and preparing ingredients in advance before cooking.
Reflecting on the experience, Miguel shared, “I felt like it really brought me out of my comfort zone. It helped me understand a few things I was doing wrong and what skills I need to improve on.”
Cindy Oseguera Gonzalez, a junior, competed in Career Investigation, where students research a career of interest through interviews, job shadowing, and independent study. Cindy focused on becoming a medical assistant, compiling findings into a portfolio and presenting it to judges.
“I’m really excited for nationals,” Cindy said. “I’m reviewing the score I received at the state conference and seeing what I can improve on, whether it’s my oral presentation or my binder.”
Joana Gallegos, also a junior, competed in Focus on Children. For her project, she designed and led a community service activity aimed at helping students learn how to regulate their emotions. The project included teaching a classroom lesson and guiding students in creating stress balls they could use as a tool.
In addition to their competitive success, Cindy and Joana were selected to serve on the Oregon FCCLA State Officer Team. As state officers, they will help represent FCCLA members across Oregon and participate in regular meetings.
“Im excited to see how the state officer experience goes,” said Cindy. “I want to help increase membership and make an impact.”
Joana shared a similar perspective, emphasizing the importance of connection and belonging.
“FCCLA made me feel like I belong somewhere, and I just want to help give that feeling to other people,” she said.
The selection process for the State Officer Team included an application, recommendations, and a review of leadership skills and FCCLA knowledge.