Washington’s Alexa Harris
By Elizabeth Contreras
Balancing leadership roles and commitments in band is no small task, but Washington High School junior Alexa Harris has embraced the challenge. Serving as District Vice President of Membership for Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) as well as playing the flute in band, Harris says each program has instilled in her the confidence to step outside her comfort zone and grow into a leader who inspires others.
Her journey with FCCLA began her freshman year, when her Family and Consumer Sciences teacher, Mrs. Duncan, encouraged her to attend the District Leadership Conference.
“If she hadn’t pushed me to attend that first conference, I wouldn’t be who I am today,” said Harris
That encouragement opened the door to countless opportunities for growth.
“Now I can confidently speak in front of more than 800 students,” she shares. “I’ve also grown into someone who leads others every day.”
Alongside FCCLA, band has given Harris experiences she will cherish for life. She has played the flute since 7th grade and has traveled with her band to compete at events such as Bands of America Nationals in Texas.
Balancing it all has been tough.
“The biggest challenge is time — sometimes I have to miss band practice for FCCLA events,” Harris says. “Memorizing marching music and sets while also preparing FCCLA scripts is a lot, but if you use your time wisely, it’s possible.”
Throughout her involvement in both programs, Harris has learned lessons that will long shape her future.
“It’s taught me leadership, teamwork, and the importance of building strong bonds with the people you work closely with,” she says. She has also earned recognition along the way, including first place at the state level in STAR events, advancing to nationals to compete.
Outside of FCCLA and band, Harris attends classes at Mid America Technology Center where she studies equine production. Her long-term goal is to become a large animal veterinarian, a career that perfectly combines her love of animals with her drive to serve others.
For Alexa Harris, FCCLA and band have been more than after-school activities. They have been places where she’s found her voice, built friendships, and discovered the kind of person she wants to be moving forward.
