My Trip to Nationals for FCCLA

Hello!  My name is Colby Duke.  I am 16 years old and attend E.W. Grove Jr. High School.  I live in an extended family household which includes my mother, sister, grandparents and three cousins.  To say the least, there is never a dull moment in our home.

My life has not been the easiest, but grandma says "With God's help, what does not break us only makes us stronger."  It is true for me, as my father was in a horrific car accident nearly nine years ago which has left him in a vegatative state to this day and my mother a single parent.

I  am always amazed at my grandparents and mother as they stretch our limited income by "thinking outside the box."  They never use the poor pitiful me scenario  but tell us that someone else is always worse off than we are.   Always know the Lord will provide what is needed.  These mentors in my life have taught me these lessons while showing me that I can accomplish anything if I work hard enough.

My journey in FCCLA (Future Family, Career and Community Leader of America) began with my membership in September 2015.  I entered and won the regional competition in January 2016 which recently took me to the State competition in Chattanooga in March.  To my great surprise, I won the State competition and have been given the opportunity to represent Tennessee in San Diego, California in July.

It  would be a great honor for me to attend this competition representing not only my school, but my community and state; however, there is a stumbling block that has to be overcome.  The cost of the airfare, hotel and registration fees alone are over  $2200.00.  This does not include meals and other scheduled activites outside of the conference.  There is no way that my mother and grandparents can afford to fund the full cost of this competition on thier limited income, so I am asking for your help through your donations to make this trip possible.  Please help me make it San Diego.  

Any donations would be appreicated.  Thank you and God Bless.
Colby