Woodland High School students hosted the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Region 4 Spring Meeting last month, where they not only welcomed participants but also excelled in the competition, earning top awards.

According to a press release, the event in February brought more than 100 students together for a day of competition and skill-building in a variety of categories, including Leadership, Culinary Display, Focus on Children, Food Innovations and Fashion Design, demonstrating the real-world application of life skills learned in the classroom.

The FCCLA program helps students develop skills, explore career pathways and become college- and career-ready.

Woodland High School students excelled at the competition, with 12 students competing and nine earning top-three placements in their respective categories. Additionally, four students are in the running for Best of Show honors in the Culinary Display competition.

Expert evaluators from Woodland and surrounding areas provided constructive critiques and insights, helping students refine their projects and presentations ahead of the statewide FCCLA competition in Riverside this April.

“We are incredibly proud of our students,” said Sherrie Jensen, WHS teacher and FCCLA Advisor. “They’ve put in countless hours of hard work practicing and honing their skills. It’s a joy to see their pride in their work and in their accomplishments. We are also tremendously grateful to our community for the support they have provided as expert evaluators, room consultants, and timers.”

FCCLA Region 4 spans from Woodland in the west to areas east of El Dorado Hills, north to Yuba City, and south to Angels Camp, uniting students from diverse communities in a shared mission of leadership and service.

FCCLA Chapter President Naomy Jimenez reflected on the impact the event has had on her high school experience.

“FCCLA Spring Meeting was another one to remember,” said Jimenez. “Although the rain made it difficult, the memories and the excitement from competing is what I remember every year. FCCLA has been a huge part of my life for the last three years, and being able to create something by being given a theme and full creative freedom is always fun.”

Superintendent Elodia Ortega-Lampkin praised the students’ dedication and highlighted the long-term benefits of their FCCLA involvement.

“Our students continue to showcase their dedication, talent, and leadership in amazing ways,” said Superintendent Ortega-Lampkin. “The skills they are developing through FCCLA will serve them well in their future careers and personal growth. We are incredibly proud of their achievements.”

Woodland High School students included:

Izzabella Tafoya (10th grade) — 1st place, Level 2 Creative Cakes

Cora Lambie (10th grade) — 1st place, Level 2 Breads

Samantha Tamayo Moreno (11th grade) — 1st place, Level 3 Patisserie

Naomy Jimenez (11th grade) — 3rd place, Level 3 Creative Cakes

Kurt Ragsdale (11th grade) — 2nd place, Culinary Arts

Marcus Ramos (12th grade) — Participant and state qualifier, Culinary Arts

Angelina Gonzalez (12th grade) — 2nd place, Menu Planning & Table Display

Yoselin Mendoza (12th grade) — 1st place, Job Interview

Alicia Uribe (12th grade) — 2nd place, Job Interview

Makayla Cassevah (12th grade) — 3rd place, Job Interview

Dahlia Herrera (12th grade) — Job Interview participant

Ana Robles Dominguez (11th grade) — Job Interview participant