The Cherokee Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter, youth members and adult advisers recently gathered in Phoenix, Arizona, on Nov. 16-18 for the annual National Cluster Meeting. The meeting provided Cherokee members with opportunities to compete in events ranging from culinary knife skills to technology used in teaching, attend leadership and program training, participate in Leadership Academy, hear two national speakers, explore colleges and careers, and impact a city.

Kyla Colvin, Dakota Dooley, Taryn Miller and Madison Wheeler participated in the skill demonstration events during the meeting.

Colvin received fourth-place in the FCCLA Knowledge Challenge, Dooley received third place in the Consumer Math Challenge, Miller received third place in the Early Childhood Challenge, and Wheeler received fourth place in Interviewing Skills.

Skill demonstration events provide opportunities for members to demonstrate college and career-ready skills in Family and Consumer Sciences and related occupations.

While these youth attendees focused on their personal leadership growth, they also participated in youth-led workshops on FCCLA's new national Career Connection program. This career preparation program guides students to develop, plan and prepare for their futures. Youth leaders learn more about themselves, others, and the world so that they can make a difference now and in the future.

"FCCLA provides students with leadership training that teaches the real world skills students need for college and career success," said Sandy Spavone, FCCLA's executive director. "Many students from across the nation graduate unprepared for college and careers. FCCLA aims to address this issue by teaching the skills not only essential in helping students prepare for college, but also in helping them transition into a successful future."

The chapter members were motivated by the meeting theme "Believe in Yourself," giving them encouragement to recognize their potential as a leader both today and in the future. They learned that believing in themselves is the key to growing as a leader, serving others, exploring who they want to be, and celebrating their individuality.

Networking was an integral part of the meeting, as members met with other attendees encouraging and inspiring each other to believe in themselves.