10/29/2026
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) held its Fall Region Leadership Meeting on Oct. 24th at Westlake High School, welcoming students from schools across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
Twenty-six Pioneer Valley High School students attended the event alongside advisors Melissa Diaz and Kelsey Erbstoesser. PVHS was also represented by two regional officers: Gael Pacheco (12th), Region President and Itzel Salazar (10th), Region Vice President. Along with fellow regional officers from other schools, Gael and Itzel helped lead the meeting and engaged members in leadership activities.
Students heard from Angel Jimenez, California FCCLA State President, who emphasized the importance of promoting FCCLA and challenged members to participate in a creative challenge by creating Instagram Reels to showcase the organization.
Throughout the meeting, students participated in workshops focused on FCCLA opportunities, effective communication, networking, and inspiring others through leadership. Regional officers also taught members the region cheer, which students will have the opportunity to perform at the FCCLA State Leadership Conference in April. The event provided Pioneer Valley students with valuable opportunities to develop leadership skills, connect with fellow members, and strengthen their involvement in FCCLA.
"My experience at the Region 7 Fall meeting at Westlake high school was great! I was looking forward to getting to know more FCCLA members and enjoy time with my FCCLA teachers. I was able to experience workshops and meet the Region 7 officers! I built new friendships and got to learn more about myself through the workshops. This is my first year in FCCLA and this trip made me realize I want to be as involved as I can in this program because of the amazing experience, officers, members, and advisors." - Jazlynn Gutierrez 11th grade
"My experience at the fall region meeting was profound and didn’t last long enough! Region 7’s Fall Region Meeting was the first FCCLA event I attended in 2025. Being a part of the team that helped make the event happen this year felt like a full circle moment. It made me realize I don’t want my FCCLA journey to be over once I graduate." - Gael Pacheco 12th grade
"This was one of the most successful regional meetings I have attended, made possible through the dedication, leadership, and hard work of our Region President, Gael Pacheco, and Region Vice President, Itzel Salazar. Their commitment to planning meaningful workshops and creating a positive experience for attendees was truly outstanding. All 26 students who attended represented Pioneer Valley High School with professionalism, leadership, and true Panther Pride. They made me incredibly proud to be their advisor." – Teacher/Advisor Melissa Diaz
Media Contact: SMJUHSD Public Information Officer Kenny Klein
