National Champs!

In his first year of high school, Sam was anxious to try all the things... he played Varsity Golf, managed the Varsity Volleyball team, had a great Track & Field season, was on student council, and found a niche in FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America)

Not one to half-ass anything, Sam took on a project for FCCLA with his best bud Finley and they worked all semester to perfect a "Professional Presentation" for the State competition - where they took SECOND place! They had a great time in Denver, made a very good presentation and brought home silver medals and a chance to compete at the National level! 

So, off these two go to San Diego last month for a 5-day leadership convention including receptions and ceremonies, events and of course, the competition. Emblazoned with signature FCCLA red, they absolutely wowed the judges (with their charm and positive energy, I'm sure!) and made the top-ten at Nationals for Professional Presentation category.

 

Their 15-minute presentation and all the convention activities (including a glow-in-the-dark 5K fun run?!?) aside, they made the most of being in San Diego with their sponsor! They spent time at the zoo and the beach and enjoyed a Tesla Uber ride and a sunset dinner.

But the very best part of the whole trip (the whole semester?!) was back at home, in Meeker watching the live stream of the National awards ceremony to see who, out of the top 10 would take first, second, and third place. In a house full of supporters, we anxiously awaited the announcement for their category and held our breath when the third place spot went to another state. Then the second place award was announced.... for Meeker High School!!! We erupted with cheers at our second-place champions and both boys spent the rest of the holiday weekend receiving congratulatory pats on the back all over town and well-deserved recognition for representing MHS.

I am, always, super proud of how hard Sam works and the level of dedication he has for whatever project he takes on... and I'm incredibly excited that it paid off on a National level this time.

I think Sam was pretty pleased with the placing - and already has his sights set for next year!

family friends

 This is Hamp and Sam:

(No, obviously not that Sam!)

Though not quite brothers, Sam and Hamp are distant cousins (they share great-great grandparents) and I have to point out that this Sam is a big part of how Hamp chose to go to Norway this fall for Folk School. Sam just returned to the States after his year in Norway and fate was in our favor when he and his family were road tripping right through Meeker last month and stopped to visit! Not only was I blown away at how cool and interesting and lovely these people are, but so grateful for their insights - both from the parental perspective and directly from Sam! - on Folk School in Norway. 

Not only am I just that much more confident that Hamp's study abroad program is the right choice for him... but I feel like I have new, wonderful friends for life in this amazing family.