Students from El Camino Junior High’s newly formed FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) chapter proved at their recent first showing at the regional FCCLA competition that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Competing for the first time at the Region 7 meeting at Pioneer Valley High School on Jan. 31, the junior high team showed themselves to be strong competition alongside older peers.

The El Camino students performed with such professionalism and skill that the judges were surprised to learn they were only in junior high. The team brought home a number of top-tier awards, including a Best in Show title.

“I am so proud of our El Camino students,” said Christina Blanco, FCCLA advisor at El Camino junior high. “They spent months preparing for this event and have worked very hard.”

El Camino students excelled across a variety of professional categories, from culinary arts to interior design:
• Creative Cakes: Kaylee Barajas took 1st place and the Best in Show award. Sharit Morales followed closely with 2nd place.
• Confections and Pastries: Miledi Hernandez Bazan earned 1st place, while Yarely Avala Romero secured 2nd place.
• Menu and Table Display: Alex Sanchez-Oliva captured 1st place for his brunch/dinner planning and nutritional analysis.
• Repurpose and Redesign: Itzel Jimenez Santiago took 1st place for transforming post-consumer items into new products. The team of Perla Orduna Lazaro and Itzairy Gracida earned 2nd place.
• Interior Design: Nanci Yecenia Lopez Lopez claimed 1st place for her comprehensive design scenario and oral presentation.
The team is now awaiting final scores to determine who will advance to the state-level competition.

FCCLA is a national organization for students in grades 6-12 that promotes personal growth, leadership, and career preparation through Family and Consumer Sciences education.