After competing at FCCLA regionals last year without an official adviser, the students competing this year almost found themselves in the same situation with adviser Wendy Neyland out sick until time to head out on Thursday afternoon. Neyland said she was glad she was well enough to go and watch her students compete and see three of the five entries advance to state.

“I thought that everyone who participated did a amazing job,” Neyland said. “I think the people who didn’t advance had a good attitude about it, and they all have next year. I think all the students did very well; they all worked so hard.”

Junior David McAlpine placed fifth in Sports Nutrition and Senior Laura Espinoza and freshman Chelsea Harter placed second in Chapter in Review Portfolio. They will advance to state in April along with seniors Annel Escobar and Randy Salazar and junior Brianna Johnston,  who placed second with their Chapter Service Project Portfolio.

“I am so happy that we advanced,” Johnston said. “It was such a good feeling.”

Even students who didn’t advance were philosophical about it.

“Of course I’m sad that we didn’t advance, but I’m also relieved,” junior Abby Smith said. “That way it give me more time to focus on debate. It was so stressful at regionals; I’m just glad I don’t have to go through that again until next year.”

The chapter also received an award for largest membership increase (210%) in the 3A school division and the Treasurer’s Award for the most pre-registered participants in the 3A division.