Timpview High’s Edna Carabantes’ Earns FCCLA State Officer Position

As it turns out, Timpview High Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) student Edna Carabantes might be one of the best embodiments of modern youth leadership we’ve seen statewide. Her roles are varied and impressive: student government member, captain of the Color Guard, participant in Latinos in Action, and now an FCCLA state officer– one of only ten in our entire state.

In our interview, Edna opens up about what drew her to the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). She credits inspiring mentors and impactful service projects for her rise to state leadership. She shares how these experiences have shaped her, discussing the challenges and rewards of leadership within FCCLA. 

We want to congratulate Edna for her tremendous achievement, wish her luck and goodwill as she moves forward in this role as she represents our district, and invite you to enjoy her interview below.

Q: What inspired you to join FCCLA?

My advisors– like Ms. Bunn. She told me about the service projects, and that interested me. When I became an officer for the school, we were able to do a lot of fundraisers and community service, which was great for me because I love helping people.

Q: So, what went into running for State Officer?

It was a lot. I had to complete a detailed application, pass a knowledge test on FCCLA fundamentals, participate in a structured interview with career education professionals, get notaries—I needed my mom’s signature—collect two letters of recommendation and my school transcript, take a written test, and write an entrance speech. It was stressful, and there was a strict deadline, but luckily, I made it.

(As an aside, the application is a weighty 14-page application that details the criteria for entrance and how judges weigh application entrees. If what Edna described above wasn’t challenging enough, candidates deliver their persuasive speech personally and undergo a peer vote at regional meetings. The process thoroughly assesses a candidate’s leadership skills and dedication to the organization. You can find it here.)

The speech topic was “Discuss the treasures you’ve found during your FCCLA journey.” I spoke about the friendships I’ve made during my FCCLA Time.

This application process taught me I can be outgoing and push myself to create more connections around the community. I usually keep to my own group– but I’ve realized that I’ll meet others from different states and regions, and I need and can grow as a communicator. It’s been hard for me to communicate in the past. FCCLA and this experience taught me how to overcome my fears.

Q: Congratulations on earning State Officer! What happens next?

Well, once I got the acceptance letter, they had a short meeting with me. On April 26, I’m going to Camp Williams up north for a full-day training. We’re going through leadership training up there—there’s even an etiquette section where they’ll teach us dining etiquette. 

Q: So, looking back on your FCCLA journey, are there any role models who influenced your decision to apply or influenced your leadership style?

A: Again, I have to say, Macey Bunn, my advisor. I’ve had her since freshman year, and I honestly wouldn’t be here without her. She showed me the path to join FCCLA and pushed me to apply as a state officer.

Q: Now that you’re a state officer, could you share general advice for fellow students on preparing for a leadership position?

A: Yes. Make friends. Make connections. Treat others how you want to be treated. Trust me, those friendships will pay off.

Q: Do you have any advice for FCCLA applicants? Should they apply?

A:  Do it. FCCLA is a lot of fun. You grow as a person, student, daughter, or son– you grow as a person.

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