Hankerson Elected State FCCLA President

mrandolphadvance@gmail.com

Vidalia High School Junior Hillaree Hankerson has solidified her reputation as a leader among her peers, as she was recently named the continued from page

Georgia Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State President.

FCCLA is a national platform for young men and women pursuing careers in Family and Consumer Sciences education. Hankerson has been a dedicated member of her local chapter, actively contributing to the organization by helping to organize community service projects and events. Hankerson has also been very active competing in FCCLA competitions, as she has qualified for the FCCLA National Convention twice in the past two years.

In 2023, Hankerson traveled to Denver, Colorado, to compete in the Entrepreneurship Project competition alongside Kingston Ryals and Sanaya Lewis. The group created a business named 'Beauty & Soul,' an African-American owned business that creates a safe place for individuals to receive counseling and hair care at the same time. The business placed 1st in the 2023 State Leaderhsip Conference, and earned a spot in the Top 10 placements at the 2023 National Competition.

Last year, Hankerson worked alongside Sanaya Lewis and Rori Johnson to inform the local community about the issues that African Americans face regarding hair discrimination and raised awareness about the importance of passing the C.R.O.W.N. Act – which focuses on Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. The group presented their Public Policy Advocacy work during the 2024 State FCCLA Leadership Conference, and earned themselves a trip to the National Competition in Seattle, Washington, last summer, where they placed 3rd overall.

In January, Hankerson applied for candidacy for the position, in which she submitted a resume, information regarding her family and consumer science classes, her GPA, accomplishments, and letters of recommendation by school and community leaders. FCCLA members then voted on their choice for leadership positions at the State FCCLA Leadership Conference held on March 24-26 in Columbus, where Hankerson was elected to lead the organization within the state throughout the next year.

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to represent such driven, dedicated, and passionate members of FCCLA. It is my greatest honor to serve as State President, and I cannot wait to see where our dreams will take us. I want to create a space where every member feels wanted, loved, and heard. So, let’s chase our dreams with courage, lead with purpose, and create a future where anything is possible,” Hankerson remarked.

Hankerson’s classmates and fellow Vidalia High School FCCLA members are also excited for her new role, as they look forward to new opportunities and experience under Hankerson’s leadership, as they believe she will bring positive changes to the organization. Vidalia High School FCCLA Adviser Amanda Mosley commented on the election, saying, 'I've had the pleasure of teaching and loving Hillaree since she stepped into my 5th-grade classroom six years ago. I have witnessed firsthand her exceptional leadership skills, dedication, and ability to inspire others. Hillaree consistently leads by example, demonstrating integrity, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. Whether she is organizing events, mentoring peers, or stepping up in challenging positions, her ability to bring people together is inspiring. I'm so excited to walk alongside her this year as she leads Georgia FCCLA as their President.'

Fellow Vidalia High School FCCLA Adviser Morgan Sager echoed Mosley’s sentiments, emphasizing, 'With Hillaree's strong commitment to service and leadership, I have no doubt that Georgia FCCLA will continue to thrive under her guidance. She brings a fresh perspective, a passion for empowering others, and a deep understanding of what it takes to lead with honesty and purpose. I could not be more proud to support her on this journey, and I am excited to see all the incredible things she will accomplish as she leads our organization to new heights.'

As State FCCLA President, Hankerson will now travel the state visiting FCCLA chapters and helping to inspire and motivate other FCCLA members by sharing her experience, insight, and passion for the organization. She will also preside over all state executive council meetings and the state leadership conference, and will help to lead the organization to further excellence.