On December 7, 2022 students from Columbus High School (CHS) attended the Elevate Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) Conference at Wayne State College (WSC). The event was held by the WSC Family & Consumer Sciences Department and drew more than 200 students, teachers and presenters from across Nebraska.
Students heard from keynote speaker, Brandi Settje, LIMHP, who shared her journey of finding a career and how FCS classes helped to build her foundation of critical thinking within the individual and family practice settings. She shared a powerful message about the importance of self-care and "filling your soul" - finding things that motivate and are fulfilling.
Students also participated in breakout sessions focused on a variety of careers and leadership within the FCS field such as Child, Youth and Family Services; Early Childhood Education and Services; Nutrition and Wellness; Education and Training; Design; Counseling and Mental Health; Interior Design and Health Science related occupations. They also had the opportunity to take a tour of the WSC campus.
Participants competed in FCS content related knowledge tests that assessed students' knowledge in six different FCS content areas. Kiara Barnes, Hannah Dahlke, Xayvion Epps, Callen Huele, Alya Janssen, Calista Kumm, Makenzie Merrill and Jordyn Trotta represented CHS at the conference by competing in content knowledge tests. Kiara Barnes placed third in Child Development and Early Childhood; Xayvion Epps placed third in Foods and Nutrition; and Calista Kumm placed second in Interior Design and Housing.