Bethany Stanton
Special to the Sun

Hillary Genthner, senior, Abbey Stanton, sophomore, and Bethany Stanton, senior, from Kern Valley High School participated in the Capitol Leadership Experience in Sacramento Feb. 1-3. While there, they observed Senate and Assembly committee hearing and floor sessions, as well as meeting with their State Legislators and staff to discuss the importance of Home Economics Career and Technology education and FHA-HERO.

Genthner and Abbey Stanton are region officers and Bethany Stanton serves as State Vice President for the California Association FHA-HERO, a career technical student organization with over 3,500 members in California. The organization, which functions as part of the Home Economics Careers and Technology curriculum, helps students develop occupational, leadership and citizenship skills.

Kern Valley High School student officers attended the Capitol Leadership Experience in Sacramento. Above, left to right, Abbey Stanton, Assemblymember Jean Fuller, Bethany Stanton(seated) and Hillary Genthner.

State and Region officers representing all parts of the state met with their legislators and staff. The focus of the meeting was to raise the awareness of FHA-HERO and explain the importance of home economics career and technology education and how it teaches young people to be citizens in their home, community, and career.

“Because of this experience, I have a better understanding of the role of my Senator and my Assembly member. I also had the opportunity to express the importance of FHA-HERO and how it affects so many students. I believe that we have their support for this wonderful organization,” said Bethany Stanton.