Courtesy photo McKenzy McVannel, Addison Wesaw, and Hailey Diemond pose for a photo after earning a silver medal at the FCCLA National Conference in Washington DC.

ALPENA – Recent Alpena High School graduates McKenzy McVannel, Addison Wesaw, and Hailey Diemond competed as a team at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Conference in Washington DC this week with their Public Advocacy Project where they received the silver medal. Their project revolved around special education funding, focusing specifically on IDEA. They also spent time networking with other students from all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico and exploring the city in between sessions. All three girls are alumni of the AHS teacher academy program and will attend college in the fall to pursue teaching degrees.

Their instructor also won at the FCCLA National Conference as APS Teacher Paula Gehrke was awarded “The Spirit of Advising” award, given to chapter advisers who faithfully work to ensure their students’ success.

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is a national Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO). FCCLA offers intracurricular resources and opportunities for students to pursue careers that support families.