Kooper Walker of Kingston has advanced to the final round of voting for the 2026-2027 Oklahoma Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) state officer team for the second consecutive year. Walker is one of 15 candidates competing for a position on the 10-person team.
Walker, a junior at Kingston High School, is the son of Billy and Jo Gayle Walker. His FCCLA adviser is Heather Henson.
FamilyandConsumerSciences Education, and its affiliated student organization FCCLA, are integral components in the CareerTech system. This national student organization helps young menandwomenbecomeleaders and address important personal, family, work and societal issues. More than 21,000studentsinOklahoma high school and technology center campuses are members of FCCLA.
The interview process began January 28 to determine the final slate for state FCCLA officer elections to be held April 2 at the state convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“Students were interviewed, tested over FCCLA facts, and presented a oneminute speech within their region,” said Brittani Phillips, state FCCLA adviser. “Fifteen students were chosen from the second round of interviewsandwillhavetheir names on the final ballot. We have a wonderful ballot and look forward to these future leaders taking office and helping move Oklahoma FCCLA forward.”
State officer team members are responsible for duties such as planning and conducting workshops, installing district officers, and leading chapter officer training. The officer team also plans and presides over state convention, works with members to increase membership, and helps to raise awareness of FCCLA in the state.
“Throughouttheyear,FCCLA members tackle issues such as teen violence prevention, traffic safety, family issues, career exploration and much more,” Phillips said. “FCCLA programs enrich student learning, improve self-esteem, and serve students with a range of ability levels, economic situations, and cultural influences.”
On a national level, FCCLA has more than 205,000 members and over 5,300 chapters from 50 state associations, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The organization hasinvolvedmore than 10 million youth since its founding in 1945.
FCCLA is one of seven CareerTech student organizations affiliated with CareerTech programs. The other six include FFA and Agricultural Education, DECA and Marketing Education, HOSA and Health Careers Education, Business Professionals of America and Business and Information Technology Education, Technology Student Association andTechnologyEngineering, andSkillsUSAandTradeand Industry Education.
For more information about FCCLA, e-mail Brittani Phillips at brittani.phillips@ careertech.ok.gov or call 405-743-5467. For more information about CareerTech student organizations, visit www.okcareertech.org/main/ students.htm.