JVS FCCLA students place at state competition

Members of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America organization at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School made the grade during the state competition in Columbus.

Six students in the early childhood education program attended the April 15-17 event at the Columbus Expo Center after ranking in the top 10 during the regional contest.

Juniors Olivia Reimer and Donta’ Jones were on the lesson presentation team with classmate Lyla Navarro in the curriculum unit development category. Seniors Adelynn DeGarmo competed in early childhood education, Madison West competed in curriculum unit development, and West and Bella Price competed on the lesson presentation team.

“The curriculum unit included using a trifold board to prepare a cross-curriculum lesson with a theme,” adviser Amy Rusnak said. “There were six different lesson plans for language, math, STEM, art, gross motor skills and social-emotional learning. All six plans had to be taught in class to preschoolers in the JVS program lab, and the students provided photo proof and data to present to the judges.”

Price and West placed third overall. Each category had a maximum of 10 participants or teams.

The lesson presentation category involved using a trifold board and planning a lesson, teaching it to preschoolers and ensuring the information was developmentally appropriate. FCCLA team members also provided photo proof of the steps for the judges.

For the early childhood education contest, DeGarmo created an estimated 40-page portfolio and an on-the-spot activity using a box of materials for judging.

“I think they did amazingly well,” Rusnak said. “It takes a lot of outside preparation and extra work. They put in extra time and effort and were prepared and respectful.”