Evelin Munoz Galicia and Cazbi Velazquez, (Kearney Public Schools, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — In the heart of Nebraska, two Kearney High School seniors, Cazbi Velazquez and Evelin Munoz Galicia, are weaving threads of kindness into the fabric of their community. Growing up in financially challenged families, both young women know firsthand the impact of receiving help during tough times. Now, they’re giving back, using their skills and compassion to aid children facing similar challenges.
Velazquez and Galicia, both active members of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) at Kearney High, have embarked on a heartwarming project to crochet hats for kids in the Nebraska Educational Migrant program and babies in hospitals. This initiative not only serves as their entry for the Community Service category in the FCCLA STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) competition but also as a testament to their dedication to service and empathy for others.
Their journey to the gold rating at the District FCCLA STAR competitions is a story of resilience, skill, and the joy of giving. “We received coats and hats and gifts from GoodFellows when I was a kid, and that gave us so much joy,” shared Galicia. “I get so much joy from thinking about the kids receiving the hats that we make.”
Velazquez learned the craft from a six-year-old acquaintance and then honed her skills through online tutorials. “Anyone can crochet,” she stated. “It is really fun and can be done while watching TV or doing anything else.” Since their success at the district competition, they’ve inspired and taught fellow FCCLA members to crochet, hosting Crochet nights that fostered a sense of community and shared purpose.
To date, they have crafted and donated approximately 30 hats, touching the lives of many children. Velazquez finds deep personal satisfaction in this project. “We can do what we enjoy while giving back to kids who honestly are just like us; we were migrant kids,” she reflected. “Growing up, we needed pantries and the Salvation Army for our daily needs, so I think it’s nice to give back to kids like we were.”
After attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), Galicia aspires to become a math teacher. Velazquez plans to pursue a career as an English/Spanish translator. Their paths reflect a commitment not only to personal growth but to leveraging their talents for the betterment of others.
The STAR Competition shines a spotlight on students like Velazquez and Galicia, who actively identify issues concerning families, careers, or communities and advocate for positive change through knowledge, skills, and effective project implementation.
As they prepare to compete at the State level in March, Velazquez and Galicia represent the best of Kearney High School and the spirit of FCCLA. Their project is more than just crocheting hats; it’s about warming hearts and fostering a cycle of generosity that uplifts everyone involved.
