SPANISH FORT, Ala. —Aren Valrie, Dawn Nelson and Grace Eagleson are California dreamin’ — but not for the reasons you might suspect.

Sure, the three Spanish Fort High School students will soak up a little sun and some West Coast vibes during their week in Anaheim. Their purpose is strictly business, however, as Alabama representatives and competitors in the 2011 Family, Consumer and Community Leaders of America National Leadership Conference: Imagination in Action.

“It will be a very full week of activities with dynamic student leaders from across the nation,” said Joni Ojard, chair of SFHS’s family and consumer science department.

Valrie will serve as Alabama’s “Students Taking Action with Recognition,” or STAR, Events competitor in the Applied Technology category, with her state-championship anti-bullying project.

“I am confident Aren will do well in her event,” Ojard said. Ojard, along with SFHS Chapter President Eagleson, will judge several STAR events during the competition.

Valrie prevailed earlier this year during the two-day state conference at Auburn University, where some 800 students competed in 30 different competitive events while taking part in an array of leadership development workshops.

Ojard said of the nearly 400 competitors in STAR events, SFHS students brought home two gold and one silver medal while also helping Nelson gain election as a state officer. Nelson’s one-year term begins during the national conference.

“It is the first time in over 10 years we’ve had a state officer from south Alabama. She will be attending leadership training, serving as a voting delegate, kicking off the state service project and conducting state meetings while in Anaheim,” Ojard said, noting Nelson will also serve as vice president for STAR events during the 2011-12 school year.

Nelson and Eagleson will also serve as voting delegates during the July 10-14 conference.

Ojard, who started the city’s first family and consumer sciences program at Spanish Fort Middle School 12 years ago before joining the new SFHS four years ago, said the nonprofit national association is devoted to “preparing family and consumer sciences students for leadership and future career opportunities,” and Alabama boasts more than 700 members.

According to the national organization’s official website, FCCLA’s mission is to help members “develop skills for life through character development; creative and critical thinking; interpersonal communications; practical knowledge; and career preparation” by “focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leader.”

The competitive STAR events are designed to recognize FCCLA members for proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills and career preparation efforts. New events added to the 2011 itinerary include advocacy; leadership; nutrition and wellness; and hospitality, tourism and recreation.