Two Harmony Grove students win FCCLA Star Events at HSU competition

STAR EVENT WINNERS! Alli Shoptaw is the daughter of Tony and Pam Shoptaw. She wants to attend Ouachita Technical College in Malvern to study child care guidance. Jorgi Hess is the daughter of Rick and Jerilyn Hess. She intends to attend Shorter College in Rome, Ga., to study early elementary education.

Alli Shoptaw and Jorgi Hess, seniors members of the Harmony Grove High School FCCLA chapter, placed first in the organization's Star Events competition hosted by Henderson State University recently.

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is a national organization with chapters across the country.

The project, "Boo For Bullies," received a score of 97 out of 100 to win the honor.

The program, focusing on kindergarten students, consisted of a skit in which one student was bullied by the other. Kindergarten students talked about the skit and could see the results of hurtful words and actions.

The skit was followed by an "Anti- Bullying Week," during which students were given ribbons to wear each day. If the students did not bully, they were rewarded.

Shoptaw and Hess created the ribbons, coloring sheets, puppet shows and a movie.

Follow-up activities will continue until March. There will be periodic survey to measure effectiveness. The girls hope to establish this program as an annual event.