2007-2008 State Officer Farewells
Andrew Schantz
2007-2008 Vice President of Programs
“These are the years we’re given, and these are the moments - these are the times. Let’s make the best out of our lives.” This song by The Calling reminds us that for the short time we’re all given on this Earth, we are gifted with so many opportunities to make our lives great. One of these opportunities in my life has been my time on the Michigan FCCLA State Executive Council. I have learned so much about building friendships, responsibility, and how to be the best leader I can be. My fellow officers have taught me so much– I couldn’t ask for a better bunch of people to spend my time with as a leader in this amazing organization. Although this isn’t my last year of leadership with Michigan FCCLA, I will always cherish the moments that I’ve been so blessed to have this year. As I move on to run for National Office, I will remember all of the great times I’ve had over this past year with my officer team. If I make it, or if I don’t, the lessons I’ve learned will no doubt last a lifetime. Thank you Michigan FCCLA for giving me one of the best years of my life, and I look forward to another incredible year of service.
Kassandra Rader
2007-2008 Vice President of Community Service
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
My dream was to become a state officer. Man has this year flown by. I always wondered what I would say for my farewell speech. First of all, thank you mom for supporting me in everything that I have done with FCCLA. Thank you Mrs. Jacobson, for all of your support, time and energy, and for allowing me to be part of this amazing organization. I also want to thank all of the members for making this possible. FCCLA has given me many great opportunities. It has allowed me to see the country, gain self confidence, and make many life long friends. Speaking of friends, I would like to thank the state officer team. You guys ROCK!!! When I first became a member of FCCLA I didn’t think that this was something that I wanted to continue with in my life. I am so glad that I did. Through out my years as a member, I have evolved from a quiet unsure girl into a confident young woman and leader.
I will miss you all and this has truly been an amazing year. Remember: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
Dhanashree Patel
2007-2008 Vice President of Membership
The past year has been one of the most amazing years of my life! Words cannot describe how much fun I have had representing Michigan Family, Career, Community Leaders of America on the 2007-2008 State Executive Council. The saying “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts,” applies so much to Michigan FCCLA By ourselves, we are good; all together in one team, we are great. Every person involved in this amazing organization is essential, and we could not have made it without our state advisors, chapter advisors, volunteers, regional officers, chapter officers, and most importantly, our members.
There are multiple people that I would like to thank for everything they have done. First, my family has always been there for me, through thick and thin and has given me an endless amount of support in every venture that I wish to pursue. I also want to thank my friends, especially my best friend. My friends and family are my rock, and keep me grounded, when everything else is up in the air. They not only deal with my crazy schedule, but they find time a time to call when both of us are extremely busy.
To my adviser- thank you for everything. I cannot even begin to explain everything you have done, not only for me, but also for Saline FCCLA. You kept everyone going when they wanted to quit, you listened to our presentations many times, you traveled with us, making each journey special and memorable in its own way, but most of all, you are a friend to each of us. Thank you so much.
I am so glad that I had a chance to share this experience with my fellow 2007-2008 Michigan FCCLA State Executive Council. Each of you is amazing and wonderful in your own special ways. I am going to miss everyone so much, but I know that we will always be close and stay in touch. Chelsey- you made a great president, and you kept everyone motivated. You showed great passion for the organization, and everything we did. Joey- you just make me laugh so much with your randomness, and that’s something you will always have the ability to do. Kassie- you are such a nice person. You are so open and warm, and your kindness never stopped throughout the year. Anna- just thinking about you makes me smile. You are so creative, and always think outside of the box. You are so relaxed with everything and so easy to get along with. Andrew- I cannot imagine sharing this experience with anyone else. You are a great person and an amazing friend. Each of you has your own special abilities and talents, and together we made an excellent team. As we move on, we know it will be hard to leave each other, but I know, that each of us will go to far places and I will never forgot anyone of you.
Dave, Gabe, the rest of the FCCLA staff, and most importantly, Mr. Schmidt- Fall Leadership Workshops, State Leadership Meeting, and our meetings in the middle would not have been the same without you. You welcomed us into the 2007-2008 State Executive Council with open arms, ready to answer our questions and address our concerns. You were always there to wake us up and keep us energized at any time of the day. You all taught me so much, and I will miss you dearly.
Joseph Morrow
2007-2008 Vice President of Public Relations
“If we could sell our experiences for what they cost us, we would all be millionaires.”— Abigail Van Buren
This quote in itself says a million different things. For each of us, experiences come at a cost. This cost can be expensive either in the form of money or personal effort.
My experiences in FCCLA this past year were expensive. To meet these challenges I needed to receive a scholarship. The scholarship I needed was better than money; it had to be something only one person I know could offer. It was my Chapter Adviser, Mrs. Jacobson. The scholarship she offers is filled with personal effort. She would do jumping jacks to see that every student of hers succeeds. Thank you Mrs. J for all you have given to me and Michigan FCCLA.
When I set forth into FCCLA, I intended to meet a few people, forget their names and be on my way. However, whenever I met an FCCLA member, each one left an imprint. My fellow officers, each in their own way, also left impressively huge imprints in me. So when I say farewell, I am just saying thanks for the imprint and I salute you all.
Anna VanAuken
2007-2008 Vice President of Competitive Events
Congratulations FCCLA members! You guys did an awesome job on your projects and presentations at the state leadership meeting. I am so thankful to all of you for doing a great job this year and representing FCCLA the way you did. Good luck next year and remember to keep setting positive examples because your community, classmates, advisors, and family members look up to you for being so successful. And good luck to the 2008-2009 State Executive Council!
Most importantly I would like to thank Mr. Schmidt and the 2007-2008 State Executive Council team for being so awesome this year. All of you have made my last year of FCCLA a BLAST! I couldn’t have been with a better team. I will never forget Joey and the “Olga sauce”, or always having to sleep with Kassie because I always ended up sleeping on top of Dhanashree, or Chelsey’s “baby seal” impression, or Andrew’s political speeches about becoming president (I will still vote for you), or even Mr. Schmidt laughing at me because I told Frank that he was too skinny and he needed to eat because food is scarce in the winter time. Its memories like these that I will always remember because all of you made them with me and you guys will always be my non-blood related family.