LCC students attended Family and Consumer Sciences Career Conference

WAYNE — During the Say Yes to FCS conference at Wayne State College, attendees heard from keynote speaker, Dr. Lisa Wanek, who earned a bachelor’s degree in FCS Education.

Wanek went on to research bullying and victimization, especially parenting practices, and child behavior and treatment while working on her Master’s and Doctoral degrees.

She is now an instructor in the Criminal Justice Department at Wayne State College. She drew connections between the need for FCS classes where students can learn about families and working with children and the ability of those students to be able to stop the cycle of violence and trauma in families.

Students later participated in breakout sessions focused on a variety of careers within the Family and Consumer Sciences field such as Child, Youth, and Family Services; Early Childhood Education and Services; Nutrition and Wellness; Education and Training; Design; Counseling and Mental Health; Culinary Arts; and Comprehensive Family and Consumer Sciences.

Participants had the opportunity to compete in FCS content related knowledge tests that assessed students’ knowledge in foods and nutrition, child development & early childhood education, fashion design & clothing, interior design and housing, resource management.

Throughout the day students were able to network with other high school students from 18 different Nebraska schools.

Kaylee Donner and Mikayla Walker represented LCC at Say Yes to FCS by competing in the content knowledge tests. Fifty-three students participated in the 2019 Say Yes to FCS content test and Kaylee Donner placed 2nd in Clothing and Fashion. The top three highest scoring content test takers were recognized during the closing session and brought home a medal recognizing their achievement.

Allattendeesreturnedhomewith improved knowledge and skills to better prepare them for their future career endeavors.