Faulkton Youth: Leading With Purpose

Did you hear? International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12th!

Established by the United Nations, this special day is designed to recognize the potential that young people have to make our world a better place, whether it’s in their hometown or across the globe!

That’s exactly how we’d describe the youth here in Faulkton. Faulkton Area Economic Development Corporation (FAEDC) applauds the development of our future leaders and the dynamic organizations that equip them with a skill set that can change the world.

Something Worth Investing In 

For decades, the Faulk County 4-H has been a beacon for area students, helping shape their lives and the community at large. 

“Clubs like 4-H are more important than ever because they give kids a safe place to grow not just in skills, but in confidence, curiosity, and community. In a world that moves fast and often feels overwhelming, 4-H offers something steady,” said Marie Weinrich, 4-H Educator for Faulk County at SDSU Extension. 

At the core of 4-H are a series of fundamental values that help them accomplish those goals, including:

• Involving youth in civic activity and actively engaging them in meaningful roles
• Improving youth skills in interpersonal relations through communications, negotiations, group and personal decision making, and dealing with conflict in a positive way
• Improving personal leadership skills and the application of those skills

Weinrich believes that kids need more than academic success; they need belonging. Spaces to try, fail, try again, and be celebrated for who they’re becoming.

“4-H encourages leadership, kindness, problem-solving, and teamwork qualities that the world desperately needs more of… And that’s something worth investing in,” she said.

For more information about 4-H, click here!

Opportunities for Growth 

In South Dakota, agriculture plays a major role in the state’s economic well-being.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the state’s farmers and ranchers average $10 billion worth of sold agricultural products per year, securing the state’s spot as a Top 10 nationwide producer of agricultural commodities on 42.3 million acres of land.

For almost 100 years, FFA has been deeply rooted in supporting future generations to pursue careers in agriculture, embracing endless opportunities for professional and personal growth.

“FFA gives students a place to safely explore their interests, explore careers and options that they may be unfamiliar with, all while gaining valuable life skills such as communication, interview skills, public speaking, and learning to evaluate things to meet the needs of a particular scenario,” said Faulkton FFA Advisor Falyn Hempel.

Faulkton FFA members regularly make appearances at state conventions, earning a reputation for scoring high marks across a wide range of skill sets, from public speaking to livestock evaluations.

“I have the best FFA members. They strive to do their very best, and even if it doesn't end like they would like, they give their all. They continue to show up for any project we do, even the non-glamorous ones. Their drive, commitment, compassion, and love of agriculture, as well as their community, make me beyond proud of them day in and day out,” she said.

Leading With Purpose 

Faulkton School offers several Career and Technical Student Organizations, including a strong chapter of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

FCCLA helps students build leadership skills and prepare for their future through hands-on experiences related to family, careers, and community involvement. Members develop essential life skills such as goal setting, decision making, planning, problem-solving, and effective communication.

“FCCLA has provided me with a wide range of skills, from public speaking and on-stage presence to networking and connecting with other members. It has helped me grow into the leader and person I am today, while also allowing me to practice many other skills like interviewing and problem-solving,” said Austina Sorensen, a three-year member, local, regional, and former state officer, and 2025 National STAR Event winner in Instructional Video Design Level 2. “FCCLA has given me a forever family that I know I can always count on! Whether through leadership positions or simply being a member, I’ve gained so many memories and friends!”

FCCLA currently serves more than 250,000 student members and over 7,300 chapter advisers across 5,300 chapters nationwide.

One of those chapters is right here in Faulkton. This year, 44 students in grades 7–12 chose to be active members. Among them is Brooklyn Kast, who was recently elected South Dakota’s 2025–26 State President!

But the accolades don’t stop there. Faulkton FCCLA members are truly leading with purpose, proudly representing their chapter, community, and state by competing at the National Leadership Conference in several STAR Events, including:

• Event Management
• National Programs in Action
• Chapter Service Project
• Instructional Video Design

In these projects, members worked closely with school officials to organize a Back-to-School Night and raised funds to prepare emergency care packages for patients and their families being transported to larger medical facilities. 

Chapter members also organized the first annual Carousel Christmas Light Parade and created instructional videos on topics such as CPR, budgeting, and how to dress professionally for a job interview. 

In addition, students partnered with a local adoption agency that supports expectant mothers and collaborated with a neighboring community shelter to assist individuals in need.

“Through FCS classes, I challenge students to strengthen their interpersonal skills, such as communication, organization, teamwork, and public speaking, while also encouraging them to reflect on their personal strengths and interests,” said Nikki Melius, FCS teacher and FCCLA adviser. “FCCLA gives students the opportunity to turn those reflections into meaningful action by creating projects that serve others. When students see how their efforts positively impact their families, our school, and the Faulkton community, it builds both confidence and a sense of purpose. That kind of learning is powerful, and it helps shape the kind of leaders every community needs to thrive. Every community needs young people who are willing to step up into leadership roles, and I hope my students use their skills to help our community thrive for years to come.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by the students as well.

“FCCLA has given me skills that will last a lifetime, like public speaking, communication, and planning. I encourage all students to get involved to grow their future and make a real difference in their community through this amazing organization!” said Madyson Koens, 2025–26 Faulkton FCCLA Chapter President.

Interested in FCCLA? Click here to learn more!