Flowery Branch High senior Samantha Larkins took first place in a technology in teaching competition at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America’s National Cluster Meeting in Dallas in November.

She designed and created a presentation focusing on an app that students can use to create their own avatar. She created an avatar to go along with a children’s book that was written in her early childhood education course.

The meeting provided opportunities for students and advisers to come together for fun and to listen to inspiring speakers, as well as to expand leadership skills, sharpen talents and explore career pathways.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Empower” and attendees were challenged to “Empower your Mepower” to encourage your peers to join FCCLA. During the conference, hundreds of students competed in skill demonstration events.