On July 3-8th , nine Sanford High School students and FCCLA adviser, Jamie Mortensen, (Ali Canty Makenna Canty, Kelli Canty, Kelly Crowther, Amberly Edgar, Paige McDaniel, Tori Mortensen, Kendra Neese, and Nicole Salazar) attended the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Chicago, Illinois.  The students took the highest gold medals in their STAR events in Denver at the State FCCLA Conference held during the first week of April which qualified them to compete at Nationals.  They were the only students who qualified from the San Luis Valley and represented their school exceptionally well by being the second highest school in Colorado who earned the most gold medals at the conference events.  This includes all Colorado High Schools!  On the National level, all of the students received silver medals in their events.   The conference had over 6,000 participants representing all fifty states, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. The students wish to thank the following businesses and individuals who sponsored and helped  them meet their financial goals which allowed them the opportunity to attend this worthwhile event and visit the city of Chicago: Jack’s Market, SLV Regional Medical Center, Conejos County Hospital, Roger’s Family Mortuary, Rio Grande Savings and Loan, La Jara Pharmaceutical, La Jara Hospital, Parts Plus, Reed Tire, Baroz Auto Service, Colorado Realty, Caldon Farms, David Faucette Farms, La Jara Trading Post, Marjorie Reed, and Tammie & Maurice Crowther.  The students also appreciate the support from Sanford High School  administration for allowing them this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and experience.