Student presentation wins gold at conference

GLOUCESTER TWP Two Camden County Technical Schools students won gold medals at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) 2015 national competition this summer in Washington.

Maura Lopez Hernandez of Lindenwold and Briana Latella of Merchantville, both seniors in the early childhood education program at the Gloucester Township campus, won first place in the "Illustrated Talk, Qualities, and Statistics of an Effective and Ineffective Teacher" category.

The conference and competition, from July 6 through 9, was called "Together We Are Healthy," and focused on physical and mental fitness and wellness. The national FCCLA student organization is run by members, and describes itself as the only career and technical in-school organization that has the family as its central focus. The group examines personal, family, work, and societal issues, and aims to help members build leadership in those areas through family and consumer sciences education.

"Maura and Briana worked hard for months to prepare for this event, and we are so proud of their accomplishment," Shenay Harris, FCCLA adviser at Camden County Tech, said in a statement. "The conference provided opportunities for students and advisers to come together for fun and to listen to inspiring speakers, as well as to expand leadership skills, sharpen talents, and explore career pathways." - Inquirer staff