Students from Columbiana Middle School competed and earned gold medals at Family, Career and Community Leaders of America’s largest national leadership conference in Anaheim, CA in early July.

The seven students from CMS competed in STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) events in which members are recognized for proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. The CMS students qualified for nationals during the state conference in April.

Abigail Rush, Jaxson Griffith, and Tanner Stogner not only earned gold, but they also ranked first of 55 teams in the interpersonal communications event. Victoria Farish and Alex Gillum earned gold and ranked third of 40 teams in the illustrated talk event. Sarah Elizabeth Shelton and Anna Smith earned gold and finished 12 of 35 teams in the entrepreneurship category.
The students’ sponsors were Samantha Pursley and Patsy Casella.

While in Anaheim, the students were able to attend the Disneyland Youth Education Series, workshops on the behind-the-scenes aspects of the park. The students were also able to participate in the Ford Driving Skills for Life event and network with over 8,700 attendees gathered to expand leadership skills, sharpen talents, explore career pathways, and listen to inspiring speakers.