In 2024–25, the Horatio FCCLA Chapter has actively worked to grow and expand our organization through a variety of engaging and impactful activities. One of our most meaningful initiatives involved reaching out to middle school students and introducing them to FCCLA by establishing a “Little Siblings” program. During our visit, we shared information about FCCLA, highlighting the many benefits it offers, such as leadership development, community involvement, and personal growth. We also provided interest forms for the students to fill out, giving them the opportunity to express their enthusiasm and get involved early.

To make the experience more interactive, we invited the middle school students to shadow active FCCLA members. This gave them firsthand insight into our projects and events while helping them develop essential life skills in a fun, supportive environment. Through this mentorship-style approach, we were able to spark excitement and create a strong connection between future and current members—ensuring a bright and thriving future for our chapter.

As an active chapter, the Horatio FCCLA is deeply involved in a variety of state and national programs that help our members grow both personally and professionally. Two of the main programs we focus on are Power of One and STAR Events. These initiatives play a vital role in developing leadership, communication, and real-world skills among our members.

 The Power of One program holds special significance for our chapter. It allows members to set personal goals and take meaningful steps toward achieving them. Each month—or whenever a member completes a goal—we encourage them to select a new activity that pushes them closer to success. These individual projects help members grow in confidence, responsibility, and self-motivation. The skills they gain through this program benefit them not only within FCCLA but in all areas of life, preparing them to become strong, capable leaders.

 Our chapter is also highly active in STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events. These competitive events are designed to challenge members while encouraging teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity. Participants dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to researching, planning, and executing their projects. More importantly, they approach their work with purpose, being intentional about the changes they want to make and the impact they hope to have. Through STAR Events, our members learn the value of persistence and preparation, setting them up for continued involvement and leadership in the future.

At Horatio High School, the FCCLA Chapter is deeply committed to Leadership Development through hands-on experiences, particularly in the areas of community service and fundraising. Though our chapter is small, we take great pride in the strong leadership skills we build by consistently engaging in these meaningful activities.

 Community service is at the heart of our chapter’s efforts. Every active member is expected to participate in a set number of service projects throughout the year. These projects not only benefit our town but also help members develop responsibility, empathy, and initiative. To ensure members stay on track and feel supported in their efforts, our officer, Ashlyn Gutierrez, plays a key leadership role. At each chapter meeting, Ashlyn checks in with members, answers any questions they may have, and offers encouragement to keep their projects moving forward.

 Fundraising is equally important to our chapter's success. As a small group, we rely heavily on one another to meet our financial goals. When selecting fundraisers, we’re intentional about choosing ones that are realistic, manageable, and allow us to actively engage with the community. These efforts don’t just raise funds—they build confidence and leadership, as members step out of their comfort zones, practice communication, and work together to achieve common goals.

 Ultimately, both community service and fundraising contribute significantly to leadership development by fostering teamwork, accountability, and a deepened sense of purpose. These experiences prepare our members to be responsible leaders not only within FCCLA but also in their future careers and communities.

The Horatio FCCLA Chapter is committed to strong Public Relations efforts to promote our organization and connect with the community. We actively use social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and—most recently—our very own chapter website to keep students, parents, and the public informed about our events and accomplishments. In addition, the Horatio School District regularly features our chapter and FACS class achievements on its official Facebook page, helping us reach an even broader audience.

 Throughout the year, we’ve organized and participated in a variety of activities that not only serve the community but also raise awareness about FCCLA and what we stand for. Some of our standout Public Relations projects include making Christmas cards for soldiers and residents at local nursing homes, crafting dog toys for the Humane Society in De Queen, Arkansas, and launching our FCCLA calendar fundraiser. We also proudly introduced the “Big Siblings” initiative, where our high school members mentored and inspired middle school students to take an interest in FCCLA.

 Of all these projects, the Big Siblings initiative proved to be the most successful. During this effort, we visited the middle school to present FCCLA and share the benefits of becoming a member. The response was overwhelming—we hosted an informational meeting afterward and had over 30 middle school students express interest in shadowing an older FCCLA member. This not only expanded our chapter’s reach but also strengthened relationships across grade levels, building a bridge between current and future leaders.

 All of these efforts fall under Public Relations because they help communicate the values, mission, and opportunities within FCCLA to our school and community. By engaging with others in creative and meaningful ways, we continue to grow our chapter and make a lasting impact.

When the Horatio FCCLA Chapter was founded in 2017, we needed funding to get the organization off the ground. One of our first steps was reaching out to local businesses to ask for support. The Horatio State Bank generously stepped in, not only by donating money but also by helping advertise our new chapter. With their backing, we were able to establish an active and motivated group of members.

 Although we are still grateful for the ongoing support from the Horatio State Bank, we’ve worked hard over the years to become more self-sufficient. As our chapter grew, we began developing creative and consistent fundraising methods to sustain our activities and projects. Today, we host a variety of fundraisers, but one of our most successful and reliable is what we call “Unhealthy Days.”

Held twice a semester, Unhealthy Days involve setting up a table outside the lunchroom where we sell baked goods, snacks, and drinks—all for just $1 each. While the prices are low, the participation is high. These fundraisers regularly bring in upwards of $600 in a single day, providing a major boost to our chapter’s budget.

 This initiative not only helps us raise money, but also gives our members valuable experience in planning, marketing, and customer service, further reinforcing the leadership and life skills at the core of FCCLA.