Cold temperatures and snow didn’t deter student representatives from several Kansas Career and Technical Student Organizations from gathering in Topeka for the 2024 Citizenship Day. 

The CTSO Citizenship Day has been taking place in some form for at least 25 years, said Connie Lindell, a state adviser for Kansas Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). 

Lindell has been bringing FBLA state officers to the event ever since she was named the FBLA state adviser, which was 25 years ago. She served as a local FBLA adviser for 45 years and taught business classes at Santa Fe Trail USD 434. The reason Lindell has stayed active with FBLA is because of the thousands of students she has seen grow and learn.  

“I think it’s seeing the development of the students and how they grow,” she said. “It’s an awesome opportunity for them to grab a hold of. You can tap into students who may need a little encouragement. You see them grow and come back later and thank you for the encouragement.” 

CTSO is comprised of eight organizations – Business Professionals of America (BPA); DECA; Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA); Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA); Future Farmers of America (FFA); HOSA – Future Health Professionals; SkillsUSA; and Technology Student Association (TSA). 

While not all of the organizations could be represented at the Citizenship Day because of weather-related closings, state officers from FCCLA, SkillsUSA and TSA presented to the Kansas State Board of Education during the board’s January meeting on Wednesday morning. 

Ava Gustin, a junior at Mission Valley High School, Mission Valley USD 330, and FCCLA’s 2023-2024 Kansas president, talked to State Board members about the importance of FCCLA. 

Grace Ruark, a junior at Labette County High School, Labette County USD 506, and state reporter for SkillsUSA, shared how SkillsUSA has impacted her life. 

Jayce Quirin, a senior at Parsons High School, Parsons USD 503, is president of the Kansas Technology Student Association (TSA) and shared his journey with State Board members. 

State Board of Education members after their meeting traveled to the Bishop Professional Development Center, Topeka USD 501, to have lunch and roundtable discussions with state officers. 

Officers from SkillsUSA Kansas, Kansas TSA and Kansas FCCLA gave short presentations to State Board members during the Citizenship Day Luncheon. Madelyn Heigert, a student at St. Marys and first vice president for Kansas FCCLA, emceed the luncheon and gave a brief overview of the organization. 

Hilary Byrd, a student at Labette County High School and vice president of SkillsUSA Kansas, shared how SkillsUSA prepares students for high-performance employment opportunities. 

Lane Lamping, a junior at Basehor-Linwood and vice president of Kansas TSA, told State Board members and other Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) employees that before Kansas TSA, he couldn’t handle public speaking without “breaking down.” Lamping seemed at ease as he spoke to the small group gathered for the luncheon. 

CTSO representatives also heard from Kansas legislators and toured the Statehouse during the 2024 Citizenship Day.