(04/11/2025) Students from Northdale Middle School (NMS) made an impact for others in need while competing in a statewide competition as part of the Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference held March 28-30 in Bloomington.

Xaybriana Berg, Grade 7; Lilliahna Firkus, Grade 7; and Desina Habte, Grade 8; are believed to be the first Anoka-Hennepin middle school students to compete at the state level. Berg and Habte teamed up to compete in the "Chapter Service Project Display" while Firkus participated in the "Focus on Children" category.  

FCCLA is a national Family and Consumer Sciences student leadership program. FCCLA focuses on service projects and competitions where students are recognized for proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills and career preparation. The NMS project involved 15 FCS students who sewed 20 chemotherapy caps that will be donated to childhood cancer patients. 

NMS Principal Jeff Leach provided key support for the Northdale FCCLA Chapter and received an Outstanding Administrator Award from Minnesota FCCLA.  

FCCLA is a national and state organization that promotes personal growth and leadership development with a concentrated effort to connect Family and Consumer Sciences education to Career Clusters. FCCLA most directly supports Career Clusters in Arts and Design, Hospitality and Tourism, Financial Services, Education and Training, Human Services, and Public Service. NMS Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Amanda Herman serves as FCCLA advisor.