Students from the Marion and Peabody-Burns chapters of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) participated Nov. 21-23 in a leadership conference in Dallas, Texas.

Attendees participated in a weekend of training and sessions that challenged, informed, and motivated members and their advisers to become leaders through FCCLA.

Along with more than 3,000 other FCCLA members and chapter advisers, Myrta Billings, of Marion, and Cathy Silvers of PBHS, accompanied eight members to the meeting.

Local FCCLA attendees were Paige Barnes, Heather Brooks, Jack Crayton, Kristen Geis, Lauren Pickens, Emily Rogers, Royce Ross, and Tori Schmidt.

The “Motivation in Motion” theme was reinforced at the opening general session by guest speaker Julie Carrier.

Carrier inspired attendees with her motivational message, “Success is a Choice,” and encouraged everyone to make the most of their powerful leadership potential.

The agenda Saturday included a showcase for FCCLA’s competitive events, dynamic speakers, and an array of leadership workshops.

Keynote speaker Sam Glenn closed the meeting by addressing how leadership is not just about a positive attitude; it’s about putting that attitude into action.

Dallas is one of four nationally sponsored training conferences this fall. The national cluster meetings are designed to allow local students and teachers to take advantages of high-quality leadership training opportunities.

Meetings also will be held in Providence, R.I.; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Cincinnati, Ohio.