Dynamite comes in small packages — and VICA is no exception. Over the past three decades, VICA, the club geared towards vocational crafts, has gone from being one of Flathead’s biggest clubs in 1965 to disappearing completely in the 1980s. VICA advisor Bruce Fitzgerald reintroduced the club in 1995, and according to Fitzgerald, the lack of student knowledge of VICA explains why only 12 people are currently involved. “Recognition is our biggest problem,” said Fitzgerald. “People don’t know what VICA is about or what we do.” VICA is unlike other FHS clubs, according to VICA vice-president senior Mandy Netherly. There are no weekly meetings and certain requirements must be met by students to be eligible for VICA membership, such as being enrolled in a vocational class, like auto mechanics, drafting, wood shop or welding at least one semester of the present school year. “I think the major reason why VICA is small is because it’s not a widely known club,” said VICA reporter senior Kyle Thomas. “Plus, there are certain ramifications to be in the club.” VICA is a club that depends on the commitment and dedication of its members, according to Fitzgerald. The benefits of VICA, however, outweigh the work members must put into the club to be successful. “I think the best thing about VICA is the leadership skills and scholarships that are offered through state competitions,” said Netherly. “It also looks good on applications because VICA is a national organization.” Monthly VICA meetings focus on the mid-April state competition in Havre. During state, members compete in their areas of expertise in the vocational field. “We’re slowly growing, but I think once we get the public’s interest, then maybe we’ll get the students involved,” said Fitzgerald. “I would ideally like to see 100 members in VICA, which is still small for the size of FHS.” In hopes of gaining higher visibil-ity in the school, VICA is offering jitterbug lessons — the dance that was once forbidden by parents and banned by dance halls across the United States. “I don’t think we get enough of a chance to learn how to dance anywhere,” said sophomore Amber Fleming. “That’s too bad because dancing is a lot of fun.” VICA members chose Jitterbug lessons as a fund-raiser for the state competition. Members are optimistic about this unique money-making method. “I was hoping for 50 people to show up,” said Fitzgerald. “Our first session we had 24 people come, by the second session we want to see 100 people. People can still join even after the lessons started.” The dancing will be accompanied by music in the second session, to first give everyone a chance to learn the basics, said VICA adviser Tony Rebich. “Mr. Rebich is teaching quite the moves,” said FHS business teacher Cindy Jones. “Not having music for this session helped us concentrate on the moves.” Lessons, taught by Rebich, will run for a total of six nights in the cafeteria throughout March. “This group has quick learners,” said Rebich. “We started with people who didn’t know anything about jitterbugging and now they are practicing the flips.” The jitterbug lessons may bol-ster interest in the club plagued by a lack of returning members. Despite being offered in grades 9-12, there are currently no underclassmen involved. “We have been to the junior high to recruit students,” said Fitzgerald. “But we haven’t seen much interest from those students yet.” Although Flathead’s VICA club is one of the smallest in the state, members still make names for themselves at state competitions, according to Netherly. This year’s goal for VICA members is advancing to the national competition. Said VICA president senior Brandon Farnes: “I believe that nationals will be the true test of the skills that I learned in my vocational classes.” |
