Region 8

Lydia is entering her junior year at Madera High School located in the central valley, where she has been a member of FCCLA since freshman year. Encouraged by her amazing advisor she ran for Region office and served as Secretary before being elected as her region's President. Lydia is passionate about making her region even greater than it already is.Outside of FCCLA she enjoys baking, cheering on her little brother at baseball games, and occasional shopping trips. As a social and family oriented person Lydia loves spending time with her friends and family. She dreams of becoming a Family Law attorney, driven by her deep care for children's well-being and supporting families in need.She also dares to dream of opening an affordable daycare providing exceptional care accessible to all parents.

Joel is a Junior at Matilda Torres High School, and now entering his third year in FCCLA. He has served as his Chapters Vice President his sophomore year and was encouraged to run as a Region officer. He enjoys listening to music, traveling, and making new memories. He dreams of studying abroad in college and becoming an aerospace engineer at a leading company like NASA.

Samantha Riche is a sophomore at Madera High and has been in FCCLA since her freshman year. She is also serving as the 24-25 chapter treasurer. Samantha is daring to dream of making an impact on FCCLA by becoming a National officer. When she’s not busy with FCCLA she likes to play basketball and help with the kids ministry at church. She wants to do something in education when she grows up and make the same impact both of her parents did as teachers.

Abbygail Santiago is entering her Junior year at Madera South High School, she has been a member of FCCLA since her freshman year. She served as her chapter reporter her sophomore year and is also serving as the 24-25 chapter second vice president; she was encouraged to run for Region Office by her peers. Outside of FCCLA Abbygail enjoys playing softball, watching her little brother play soccer, going on road trips, cooking with her mom, and also being around her pets. Abbygail dreams of one day becoming a 5th grade teacher and pursuing to keep making her parents proud.

Isabella is in 11th grade at Matilda Torres High School, she is now entering her third year in FCCLA. She enjoys baking and listening to music. Her dream is to one day open her own bakery and sell her baked goods all around and hopefully bring joy to others.

Ava is in 12th grade at Central East High School, she is entering her second year in FCCLA. Ava enjoys volleyball, traveling, listening to music and making clothes. Ava’s dream is to travel as much as she can.

Michelle Stetsko is the Region 8 coordinator and she teaches child development at Madera High School in Madera.She has been teaching FCS for 23 years and has been an FCCLA advisor for 20 years. Mrs.Stetsko has been a Blockhead since 1988, and has seen her beloved New Kids on the Block in concert 9 times! She dares to dream that every child will be born into a loving home; that every puppy will have a soft blanket and favorite toy; and that Dolly Parton will have 1 more concert and invite her on stage to sing “Jolene” with her.