Mustangs Advance to FCCLA State Competition

Disponible en:

Four Aldine High School students have advanced to the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference, continuing a strong tradition of student achievement in career preparation and workforce readiness. FCCLA is the nation’s leading organization for students pursuing careers in Education and Training, Hospitality and Tourism, Arts and Design, Personal Finance, Human Services and Public Service through Family and Consumer Sciences education.

Senior Andrea Larrea earned second place in the Promote and Publicize category, an event that challenges students to develop a campaign to raise awareness about FCCLA and Family and Consumer Sciences programs within their school and community. During the competition, participants are required to present both an oral presentation and a portfolio.

This marks Larrea’s third year in FCCLA and her second appearance at the state level. She has developed a passion for advocating for Family and Consumer Sciences courses and plans to continue her education in Texas after graduation.

Larrea said the program has helped her grow personally and professionally.

“Second place feels amazing and very rewarding,” said Larrea. “Compared to my previous competitions, I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress. My teacher believed in me, and so did my classmates. Their support really helped me get through the nerves. I’m extremely proud of myself—from placing 5th in my sophomore year, not placing at all in my junior year, to finishing second in my last year. I’m forever grateful.”

FCCLA adviser and fashion design instructor La Keesha Craig said the program continues to have a meaningful impact on students, both inside and outside the classroom.

“I’m truly impressed by their dedication to our FCCLA chapter and the effort they put into balancing school, part-time jobs, and other organizations. Watching them take initiative and develop confidence is inspiring,” said Craig. “Their success reflects the strength of our fashion design program, especially in building leadership, responsibility, and strong organizational skills.”

In addition to Larrea’s success, Valeria Muñoz-Alvarenga, Karla Vergara-Juárez, and Juana Flores-Riveras all earned fourth place in the Chapter Service Project Display competition. The trio has shown consistent excellence, marking their third consecutive year competing. Muñoz-Alvarenga and Vergara-Juárez have advanced to state finals each year, while Flores Riveras will attend for the second time.

All three students plan to pursue higher education. Muñoz-Alvarenga intends to study education, Vergara-Juárez plans to enter the nursing field, and Flores-Riveras hopes to begin in real estate before transitioning into the medical field.

Muñoz-Alvarenga said Aldine ISD has helped her feel more confident about her future.

She plans to attend Lone Star College-Atascocita and the University of Houston-Clear Lake before transferring to the University of Houston.

FCCLA has played a major role in her development.

“This program has taught me the importance of helping the community, which makes me want to continue doing projects like this after high school,” Muñoz-Alvarenga said. “It has also helped me improve my communication skills, which I will need in the future to network. Speaking in front of peers and judges has helped me imagine being in a classroom and teaching something new.”

Craig said the future of the Aldine ISD fashion program is bright as it continues to grow and create opportunities for students. Plans include hosting fashion shows at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center and expanding hands-on learning experiences.

Students are also gaining internships with local designers, with some opportunities leading directly to employment after graduation.

The FCCLA State Leadership Conference will take place in Dallas from April 9-10, with the awards ceremony scheduled for Saturday, April 11.