Members of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) are preparing for the FCCLA district meeting on May 9, according to Vivian Heerens, club president and senior. In preparation, club members are fundraising for March of Dimes, an organization that aims to prevent premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.

“We are working on a lot of individual fundraising right now, but we plan to eventually organize a chapter effort as well,” Heerens said.

According to Heerens, in lieu of having bake sales to raise money, a common FCCLA practice, club members are exploring alternative fundraising methods.

“We are trying to develop a 5K run/walk type of event. We don’t know exactly what it is yet it’s an idea in the making,” said Josh Khantsis, club member and sophomore.

Twenty FCCLA members recently attended the FCCLA State Conference in Indianapolis from March 8-10, according to club sponsor Nancy Spencer. Members of the club competed in Students Taking Action with Recognition events, and about half qualified for the FCCLA National Conference, according to Heerens. The National Conference will be held in Washington, D.C. from July 5-9.