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FCCLA Attends Peer Ed. Conference

March 07, 2010

On March 1, 2010, the Plainview FCCLA chapter attended the 2010 Peer Education Retreat in Kearney.  Attending from Plainview were Kelsey Cattell, Bryce Hightree, Carissa Neuhaus, Carissa Pollock, Hollie Nelson and Kellie Allen and adviser Ronita Jacobsen.   Approximately 355 other Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America members from 50 chapters across Nebraska also attended the conference. The theme for the retreat this year was “Master the Art of Peer Education” where FCCLA members had the opportunity to get together to master their skills and learn about Peer Education.

A pre-conference session titled FACTS (Families Acting for Community Traffic Safety) was held Sunday afternoon and evening.  The session began with activities to reinforce statistics relating to tees and driving accidents and deaths.  The focus of the session was the three D’s of Driving: Distractions while driving, Driving drunk, and Drowsy driving.  Speakers were brought in throughout the session to reinforce the 3 D’s.  Officer Tob Taillon from the Kearney Police Department presented specific information on the POP license, MIP and DUI laws, and the consequences of violations for each.  He also explained how alcohol, marijuana, and drugs affect the body and the consequences of driving under those influences. Another speaker repeatedly stated “your attitude is what forms your habits”. And went on to explain how having a positive attitude to drive safe and smart is reflected in your habits…1)wear a seatbelt 2) don’t speed...speed kills 3) always pay attention and don’t get distracted and 4) don’t drive after drinking. The video “Driven to Distraction” was also shown during the session.  Students also had the opportunity to wear the DUI Goggles which simulate the effects of alcohol on your vision.  

Member Bryce Hightree attempted to through tennis balls into a basket while wearing the goggles stated, “It was weird. I knew the basket should be in front of me but it shifted to the left when I put the goggle on. Everything did.  I felt like I couldn’t even walk a straight line.  I couldn’t image driving a vehicle.”  The session ended by members planning activities to hold in their schools/communities in the upcoming months.

The Monday conference included dynamic sessions such as “Master the Art of SAFE Relationships” by Margarita Longoria-Dimas from the S.A.F.E Center, “Master the Art of Fitness” by Jennifer Henry, and of course “Master the Art of Peer Education” with the State Peer Education Officers.
The day began with all members gathering with a welcome, introduction of Peer Officers, and an entertaining video all about “Mastering the Art of Peer Education.” The large group was then broken into smaller groups and attended the keynote speaker Carol O’Neill from Good Samaritan Hospital along with the smaller sessions.  Carol discussed the importance of FCCLA members being professional in their job search and eventually in the workplace. She informed attendees of the do’s and don’ts of careers and how to write their own success story. She focused mainly on healthcare careers but gave many tips that would apply to any job search.

Carissa Polluck stated, “Master the Art of Fitness was my favorite session since I can apply this to my life right now.  It was fun to learn different exercises and techniques to help make you fit.”  

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is a national career student organization for young men and women in family and consumer sciences education in public and private schools through grade 12.  FCCLA is the only national career student organization with the family as its central focus.