Cold Springs' Maddie Mitchell achieved Gold in the “National Programs in Action” Category.

Cold Springs High School joined more than 8,500 FCCLA student leaders, members, and advisers at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim, Calif. on June 28-July 5 to participate in the annual FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC).

Cold Springs’ Maddie Mitchell participated in one of 30 Family and Consumer Sciences related Competitive Events offered at NLC, including STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events. These events support foundational, leadership, and workplace skills in areas such as advocacy, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship. Competing with over 5,800 STAR Event participants, Mitchell achieved Gold in the “National Programs in Action” Category.

While in California, Mitchell and her advisor, Stephanie L. Blair, were also in the 6.4 Earthquake that hit Southern California on Thursday, July 4. They were located around 150 miles away from the earthquake, but still felt it.

“All of a sudden I felt hot and thought I was going to be sick, I felt like I was swaying back and forth. In truth, the whole hotel building was swaying,” said Blair.

The conference provided Cold Springs student’s opportunities for listening to inspiring speakers, attending learning sessions, competing on the national level, and networking with other leaders. The theme of this year’s conference was “Believe in Yourself,” which inspired attendees to discover the unlimited possibilities within their reach while exploring career opportunities, developing leadership skills, and growing personally while making difference in their families and communities.