Make A Difference, Care for a Veteran



Posted: Wednesday, January 07, 2009

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So last year I did a STAR event for FCCLA over making a difference and caring for our veterans. Did you know that 96% of homeless veterans are male and only 4% are female? Well, I found that out in the process of putting together our speech. I came upon it on a website and it really stuck. It was stuck in my head for days so we put it into our speech. Of course you honor your veterans on veterans day but what about the other days, weeks, even months that follow. Our chapter wanted to make a difference in the lives of these men and women. We did a drive for supplies for the veterans hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. We collected, snacks, clothes, games, pens, paper, pencils, etc. We also made place cards, tray favors, and holiday cards for the veterans that have served our country well. I was really excited about this project and couldn't wait to get to districts. We went to districts, presented and walked off with a gold which sent us to the state leadership meeting. When we got to state we were really nervous we presented and had to wait an entire day before we would know how we did. When they announced us I didnt even hear my name or how well we did. Then I remember walking off stage asking; We made it right? With the response Yeah! I was so excited because that meant we would make it to Nationals in Orlando, Florida. I was so excited but we were a long ways from being able to pay for the trip. We started fundraising day and night! We had many people donate money for us to go. We even contacted a local resteraunt and they had a fish fry for us and all we had to do was pay for the food. This took away from the resteraunt's buisness for the night but they didnt seem to mind. We also were asked to give our speech at this fish fry. I was the most nervous of all and even was shaking holding the mic. We went to nationals and got a gold in our category Chapter service project Display Junior. This was a great experience and I really think that more kids should get into speaking to crowds I know that this has changed me for the better. Im a completely different person after this experience and look forward to doing a star event this year on teaching.

Hayley Ellis is a 15 year old freshman at Shenandoah High School. She is active in Band,and FCCLA. Hayley enjoys crafts, playing her clarinet, and listening to music. Her favorite subjects in school are Band, Language Arts, and Communications. Hayley is a two time national STAR events participant in FCCLA. She enjoys speaking to small groups. She plans to go to Northwest Missouri State University when she graduates and become a Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher.

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Joel Hendon
 3 years 31 days ago.
125 fans.
Good article, Hayley and I commend you for doing anything possible for our veterans. I too, amd a veteran but, I'm thankful to God thaat I'm not homeless of hungry. Thansk for your efforts and the article.
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