MARIETTA, Okla. (KTEN) — Making it to Nationals is a the big goal at the end of the year for FCCLA members, and two Marietta High School achieved that objective.

"This is like the only thing when I'm like all year... we have to get to Nationals," said sophomore Emily Faulkenberry.

Every summer, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America hosts its national competition and convention for members. This year's event was in Denver.

"There's different options and different things that you can do," explained Amanda Faulkenberry, an FCCLA advisor and Emily's mom. "You can go to workshops, or if you go as a competitor, you have to qualify at the state level."

Of the two Marietta students who attended, Emily competed nationally, earning silver.

"You have three judges and you give your speech," she recalled. "It's very chaotic, but also helpful, because you're only talking to the three people in front of you."

Fundraising events through the school year defray the cost of the FCCLA trip.

"You have to pay registration; you have a hotel for a week; you have your cost for travel," Amanda Faulkenberry said. "Some schools fly, but we drive, so gas costs and that sort of thing."

The FCCLA organization and its national convention help to prepare students for college and future careers.

"I don't really like to talk in front of people, and FCCLA pushes me to do that," Emily said. "I want to be a teacher, so it's important for me to be able to talk in front of people, and I think it's a way to learn those skills and use them while in high school so you have preparation before you get there."

Overall, 350 Oklahoma students attended this year's national convention.