KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — After qualifying at their Spring Regional Leadership Conference in late February, seven students from the Kelseyville High School Advanced Culinary Arts class joined about 700 other attendees at the 75th annual California Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America State Leadership Conference held April 23 to 26 in Riverside.

All KHS students received either gold, silver or bronze seals in recognition of their scores, and KHS senior Karina Sonato placed third in state for her charcuterie board.

The Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America State Leadership Conference, or FCCLA, is a career technical student organization for students in grades sixth through 12th who are enrolled in Family and Consumer Sciences education programs in California public schools and the KHS Culinary Arts class is associated with the organization.

This was the first year KHS competed, and teacher Tami Cramer said she was “thrilled with the results” and looking forward to her students participating again next year.

This year’s participants included Karina Sonata, Sarahi Sonato and Estefani Ramirez Reyes, who) competed in culinary display: appetizers; as well as Delayna Dothage, Emily Jimenez, Briseyda Cacho and Anthony Ruiz Matias, who competed in salad preparation.

The theme of the conference, “Make it Count,” was intended to inspire members to get out of their comfort zone and get involved in all the activities and events.

In addition to competing, students attended statewide and regional meetings, workshops, industry visits, a formal banquet and a dance.

Approximately 70 FCCLA chapters from across the state competed for more than $1.6 million dollars in cash and scholarships in leadership and career development competition events.

This year, the following colleges provided FCCLA scholarships: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Culinary Institute of America, FIDM, Johnson and Wales University, and Sullivan University.

Instructional programs, career education, and competitive events relate to one or more of nine industry sector pathways that are included in FCS education programs, including: child development; education; consumer services; family and human services; fashion design and merchandising; interior design; food science, dietetics, and nutrition; hospitality, tourism and recreation; and food service and hospitality.