Edison graduate earns honors at Seattle leadership conference

Jefferson County Joint Vocational School alum Paige Furbee successfully represented her district after earning second place during the National Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Conference in Seattle, WA.

Furbee, the daughter of Mike and Danielle Furbee of Bergholz and a recent graduate of Edison High School, ventured to the Emerald City June 29-July 3 and was joined by an estimated 10,000 people, including advisers and chaperones. She most recently studied in the early childhood education (ECE) program at the JVS and placed among more than 50 contestants in the ECE category during events at the Seattle Conference Center, gaining a silver medal for her efforts.

 “I had to create a lesson plan in under 20 minutes, the activity had to be ‘four seasons’ themed and I had to present the activity to the judges,” Furbee said. “I placed with silver and I scored a 70 on my rubric. I feel good about my placement. It was a great opportunity, and I’m honored that I made it that far.”

She was joined by family members and JVS ECE instructor Rebecca Kelley, and in addition to competing and attending conference sessions, she also had a chance to go sightseeing around Seattle. Among her stops were the Space Needle, Seattle Zoo and Aquarium, Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, the Gum Wall, Pike Place Market and a Mariners baseball game.

Kelley was pleased with Furbee’s abilities and said she has a bright future ahead.

   “I am very proud of her for making it to nationals.  It is an honor to be able to accompany her there and be part of the journey with her. Paige is a very motivated and creative student who puts her all into projects,” she added. “She is very passionate about young children and working with them.  She is a very caring compassionate young adult who enjoys working with young children and it shows by her performance at nationals.”

Meanwhile, Furbee plans to attend college next year and obtain a bachelor’s degree, but for now she hopes to work as a childcare aide. She credits her time at the JVS for giving her the tools she needs to begin her next chapter.

 “The JVS has been such a great opportunity for me and it has provided me with so many benefits. I would like to add that my teacher, Ms. Kelley, has been such a great teacher and advisor for my time at the JVS!”

FCCLA is a national career and technical student organization that provides personal growth, leadership development and career preparation opportunities for students in family and consumer sciences education.