~ Press release provided by Page County Public Schools
SHENANDOAH, Aug. 6 — Members of the Page County High School Chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) recently represented Page County High School at the 2026 FCCLA National Leadership Conference, held July 6-10 in Washington, D.C.
The chapter was among 350 delegates representing Virginia and more than 10,000 FCCLA members, advisers, and guests from across the nation, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa who gathered for five days of leadership development, career exploration, competition, recognition, service and connection.
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is a national Career and Technical Student Organization for students enrolled in Family and Consumer Sciences education. Through classroom instruction and hands-on FCCLA experiences, students develop leadership, workplace readiness, technical, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while preparing for careers that strengthen families, industries, and communities.
The FCCLA National Leadership Conference is the organization’s largest annual gathering. It brings students and educators from across the country together to participate in Competitive Events, leadership sessions, educational workshops, career exploration opportunities, national recognition programs, networking experiences, and activities that connect classroom learning with real-world careers. The conference gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, discover new possibilities, build confidence, and learn alongside peers and professionals from across the nation.
The 2026 conference marked a historic moment for FCCLA. Attendees gathered in the nation’s capital as Washington, D.C., and communities across the country commemorated America’s 250th anniversary. Against the backdrop of this national celebration, FCCLA members honored the leadership and service that shaped the country while preparing to help lead its next chapter.
“Hosting the 2026 National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., during the America 250 celebrations created a powerful and historic opportunity for FCCLA members,” said Sandy Spavone, CEO of FCCLA. “As our nation reflected on 250 years of progress, service, and leadership, more than 10,000 attendees came together to prepare for the future. These students are not waiting for their opportunity to lead. Through FCCLA, they are building the skills, confidence, and connections to make an impact in their schools, careers, families, communities, and country right now.”
The 2025–2026 FCCLA annual theme, ConneCTEd, highlighted the powerful role connection plays in career readiness and leadership development. Through FCCLA, students connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities, personal interests with future goals, and individual leadership with a national network of peers, educators and professionals.
In addition to the chapter’s participation in the National Leadership Conference, Page County High School student Joey Miller proudly served as the 2025–2026 National FCCLA First Vice President. Throughout the conference, Miller fulfilled leadership responsibilities that included participating in general sessions, recognizing member and chapter achievements, engaging with attendees from across the nation, and representing FCCLA’s mission of developing leadership through Family and Consumer Sciences education. After a year of service on the National Executive Council, the conference marked the culmination of Miller’s term, celebrating a year dedicated to empowering members and advancing the organization’s mission at the national level.
During the National Leadership Conference, members of Page County High School FCCLA attended leadership sessions and workshops, participated in competitive events and participated in the FCCLA Rally on Capitol Hill. Several members of the chapter also participated in FCCLA Competitive Events, which challenge students to apply the knowledge and skills developed through Family and Consumer Sciences education to real-world issues, careers, and community needs.
Elizabeth DePriest and Katharine Campbell competed in Level 3 National Programs in Action and earned a Gold medal and Top 10 placement.
Lizzy Wood competed in Level 3 Fashion Design and earned a Gold medal and Top 10 placement.
McKenzie Jewell, Angelene Morris and Allyssa Lucas competed in Level 3 Repurpose and Redesign and earned a Gold
medal.
Atari Good and Brayden Welch competed in Level 3 Sustainability Challenge and earned a silver medal.
Aubrey Breeden, Abby Brewer, Dylan Couch and Bekah Seals competed in FCCLA Challenge Tests at the conference.
Karina Valencia also participated in the National Leadership Conference, taking part in leadership workshops, networking opportunities, and conference activities designed to strengthen personal and professional skills.
Bekah Seals was also recognized in the Family and Consumer Sciences signing ceremony. This recognition reflects the chapter’s commitment to career preparation. She signed her commitment to become a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher. Lizzy Wood was selected to participate in the Fashion Show during the National Leadership Conference, highlighting their creativity and enthusiasm as she represented our chapter.
During the conference, Veronica Yorro was selected to serve as the Virginia FCCLA Vice President of Leadership for the 2026–2027 year. In this leadership role, she will represent Virginia FCCLA members while promoting leadership, service, and Family and Consumer Sciences education across the Commonwealth.
The conference demonstrated that leadership is not limited to a title or a single moment. It is developed through every connection made, challenge accepted, skill strengthened, and opportunity used to serve others. Through FCCLA, students are not simply preparing for the future. They are gaining the experience and confidence to help shape it.
For more information or to learn how you can support the Page County High School FCCLA Chapter,
please contact Ginny Miller or Destiny Campbell at (540) 652-8712.
•••
RELATED ARTICLES
VIDEO ~ Page Valley Livin’ talks about suicide
VIDEO ~ Page Valley Livin’ talks about red jackets and FCCLA with Joey Miller
Local students shine at national FCCLA conference in Orlando
Local FCCLA chapters receive multiple awards and recognition at state conference
24 local youth leaders represent Page County at FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Denver
21 FCCLA students prepping for trip to National STAR event in San Diego June 28-July 4
Two local students elected among seven officers for FCCLA’s state executive council
Be the first to comment