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Local students shine at national FCCLA conference in Orlando

August 7, 2025 PVNPublisher 0

PCHS students take top spots among national FCCLA officers

~ PVN staff report

ORLANDO, Fla., July 5-9 — Over the summer break, local students in Page County Public Schools who were members of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) attended the 2025 National Leadership Conference (NLC) held July 5-9 in Orlando, Fla. The local FCCLA members brought home numerous awards, featured two top officers, and earned $500 for a local service project to reduce food insecurity in our community.

Page County High School’s FCCLA chapter saw Joey Miller get elected as the new National FCCLA first Vice President. Veronica Yorro served as the Virginia state FCCLA President and also served on the national nominating committee. The following students won individual awards:

Rebekah Seals placed among the top 10 in the nation in Chapter Website Level 3 and won a silver medal.
Atari Good and Brayden Welch placed among the top 10 in the nation in Instructional Video Design Level 2 and won a silver medal.
Brynlee Comer and Mady Murphy placed among the top 10 in the nation in Chapter Service Project display Level 3 and won a gold medal.
Bri Bracken won a silver medal in Level 2 Interpersonal Communications.
Maryn Cave and Alia Rhinehart won a silver medal in Level 3 Focus on Children.
McKenzie Jewell and Allyssa Lucas won a silver medal in Level 3 Chapter Service Project Portfolio.

While at the National Leadership Conference, students took part in a variety of leadership development sessions, networked with peers from across the United States, and participated in the fun FCCLA tradition of state pin trading. In addition to the learning and competition, students enjoyed memorable experiences at Epcot and Universal Studios, creating lasting friendships and memories.

Luray Middle School had the following individual accomplishments:

Myla Gilmer demonstrated her strong FCCLA knowledge by participating in the National FCCLA Challenge Test, showcasing her dedication to the organization’s mission.
Harmony Housden brought home honors, earning a third-place national plaque for the chapter’s website and a personal gold medal for her outstanding work in its development and presentation.

In addition to this national recognition, the LMS FCCLA students were awarded a $500 grant from the Explorer.Act.Tell. program for their impactful community project: “Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat.”

The initiative kicked off at a community Trunk or Treat event, where students collected non-perishable food items in place of candy. The drive then expanded into a school-wide food competition, with grade levels competing to bring in the most donations. All items were donated to Beetle’s Blessings Box, the school’s community food pantry. The winning grade earned a pizza party for their efforts and generosity. Thanks to the Explorer.Act.Tell. grant, LMS students will continue their mission to reduce food insecurity in Page County, with more student-led projects planned for the upcoming school year.

“[We] would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of the community partners and supporters for their generous financial contributions and encouragement,” said LMS Family and Consumer Science Teacher and FCCLA chapter advisor Lindy Burns. “The trip to nationals was 100 percent self-funded, and it would not have been possible without the incredible support of the local community. Your investment in these young leaders made a real difference and continues to inspire them to reach higher.

“This experience was life-changing for our students,” Burns continued. “They came home more confident and motivated to make a difference. They are not only growing their leadership skills, but also making a real impact on their community. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the example they set for others.”