Thirteen members of Tonganoxie High School’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America garnered medals and other recognition at the national FCCLA competition, held July 11-15.

But before they could head to Chicago, the girls first had to impress district and state judges.

“The kids competed in some contests called Star Events at the district and state level,” said Pam Lamb, a THS teacher who sponsors the club. “They had to take first at both levels in order to go on to nationals.”

The Tonganoxie students ranked at the top.

Staci Andrews and Amanda Lenon received a gold medal in interpersonal communications.

Holly Heintzelman and Sarah Kotowske received a gold medal in the chapter showcase event.

And the parliamentary procedure team, consisting of Kelly Breuer, Tara Kemp, Madison Weller, Lindsey Starcher, Ashlee Murphy, Addie Heim and Michelle McWilliams, received a silver medal, just two points shy of reaching the gold.

Two other girls elected to state FCCLA positions attended the convention. These were Rachel Bouza, the state FCCLA president for the 2004-2005 year, and Sara Herdman, who serves as Kansas vice president of programs. And Staci Andrews, who competed, is district president for schools in the Tonganoxie area.

The interpersonal team, consisting of Staci and Amanda, began their research in Tonganoxie where they worked with elementary school classes, helping them learn how to resolve conflicts.

For Holly and Sarah’s chapter showcase display, the teens made a display board showing all of the club’s community service activities and other projects accomplished during the school year. They used the “Wizard of Oz,” as their theme.

And the parliamentary procedure team conducted a mock business meeting for the judges and answered questions relating to parliamentary procedure.

“Tonganoxie should be very proud of the youth in our community,” Lamb said. “Their leadership skills are outstanding — to be the best in the state as well as to receive top honors at the national level.”

And Lamb, said, it’s an honor for any school to have FCCLA members elected to a state office, noting that Rachel is the current state president.

“Many of the youth in our schools and community do great things,” Lamb said. “We should be proud that we have quality kids.”