By Caley Griebenow, associate editor-in-chief
Senior Stephanie Bruno had an especially busy Feb. 17. In addition to performing in her second out of four total Orchesis shows, Bruno traveled to Harper College to present a portfolio project she had been working on for weeks in front of two judges. Bruno was in an Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, or FCCLA competition, and earning an average score 90 from the judges meant a ticket to the state competition in Springfield. Bruno did just that.
FCCLA had an overall successful regional competition, according to club sponsor Lisa Curtin.
“The kids have been working hard all year, and if they continue on this path, I know they will continue to do well,” Curtin said.
22 high schools total attended regionals, making the competition tough. 30 Prospect members competed in a variety of categories, (see “results”) and 16 advanced to the state competition, which will be held April 6-8.
For Bruno, she was pleasantly surprised to be awarded first place. She was slightly nervous for her presentation, which involved her speaking for 10 minutes, followed by five minutes of questions from the judges.
Bruno’s presentation included designing and researching activities and meal plans for the age group of infants to kindergarteners. As a four-year member of FCCLA, she knew what to expect at regionals and was able to focus on her goal of advancing to state.
“After working on this project for awhile, it was obviously really rewarding to be able to move on to state,” Bruno said. “Now I have to focus on improving my presentation for state, which is going to be even tougher.”
Other events included programs on bicycle safety, anti-bullying campaigns and environmental initiatives. FCCLA meets a few times a month after school to perfect their presentations with the help of Curtin and co-sponsor Amy Collins, but Curtin gives most of the credit to the girls since they work on the projects largely on their own time.
“It’s always exciting to see the kids put in a lot of time into these projects and to have them succeed,” Curtin said.
FCCLA will continue to impact Bruno’s life, as she states it has influenced her decision to go into the field of family consumer science.
“[Overall,] FCCLA taught me to get over my fear of public speaking and how to be committed to a project long-term,” Bruno said. “I’ll miss FCCLA and the girls, and now I’m just hoping for the best at state.”
Results
Event                                        Student                                                                             Place                                                                                                               Illustrated Talk                        Abby Fleig                                                                        1st place, Most Outstanding (100%)   
FACTS                                   Maddie Diluia, Jordan DuShane                                       1st place, Most Outstanding
Focus on Children                 Elise Heinze, Nicole Sipko, Caroline Raupp                      1st place, Most Outstanding        
Advocacy                               Lili Schober, Hanna Walker                                               1st place, Most Outstanding
Chapter Service Project        Faith Lindell, Julia Conway                                                1st place, Most Outstanding
Environmental Ambassador  Sarah Ampalloor                                                                1st place, Most Outstanding
National Programs in Action  Isabella DiGioia, Tegan Joyce                                            2nd place
Illustrated Talk                       Lizzie Fanslow, Nicole Brzys                                              2nd place
Fashion Design                     Grace Peisker                                                                     2nd place
Chapter Service Project        Katie Sipko, Maggie Penner, Mackenzie Molina                 2nd place
Child Care Provider              Katie Skoog                                                                         1st place, Most Outstanding
Child Care Provider              Stephanie Bruno                                                                  1st place
Fashion Portfolio                  Ann Maire Conroy                                                                1st place, Most Outstanding
Story Telling                         Ally Harrington, Ashna Alex                                                  1st place, Most Outstanding
International Experience     Amy Lee, Hannah Trais, Tommy McGough, Paige Gillogly   2nd place