On Friday, February 10, 2023, at the Region 4 conference of the Utah Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Kathy Thacker of Spanish Fork Jr. High was named Region FCCLA Advisor of the Year. This award is given to one advisor from the region, which includes: Juab, Nebo, Provo, Carbon, Emery, Grand, Tintic, North Sanpete, San Juan, and South Sanpete School Districts. In recognition of one advisor-educator who has gone above and beyond to serve the students of their school and advance the FCCLA program.
Last year Mrs. Thacker started a chapter of FCCLA at Spanish Fork Jr. High, which previously had never had the organization. She recruited and organized a group of students through her efforts and started doing regular activities and meetings. Two of her students ended up qualifying for the state competition. Both of whom competed and placed at the state competition. This year Mrs. Thacker had to start over again as most of her FCCLA members were 9th graders and had moved on to high school.
Mrs. Thacker worked tirelessly to organize an extensive recruitment activity throughout the school day that included every student enrolled in a Family and Consumer Science class. Each student would join her in the auditorium for a short time while she taught what FCCLA was, played games, and got a treat. She then did a follow-up activity where she gave out snow cones to the interested students and told them how to sign up. Through her efforts, Mrs. Thacker grew the organization to 9 members this year, 6 of which competed at the Friday competition with hopes of qualifying for state.
The region advisor recognized Mrs. Thacker's efforts as a fantastic FCCLA advisor and an inspiring Family and Consumer Science Educator. Mrs. Thacker was given this prestigious award on Friday in front of students and peers throughout the region. Congratulations Mrs. Thacker!