Forty-five students from Culpeper County Public Schools recently joined more than 1,000 peers and advisers from across the state at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership and Recognition Conference, held April 4–6, 2025, in Virginia Beach.
Representing chapters from Culpeper County High School (CCHS), Culpeper Middle School (CMS), Culpeper Technical Education Center (CTEC), Eastern View High School (EVHS), and Floyd T. Binns Middle School (FTB), students participated in a weekend packed with competitive events, leadership workshops, and recognition ceremonies.
Leadership Development and STAR Events
The conference kicked off with more than 680 students competing in 101 Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events, where participants showcased their knowledge and skills in areas such as leadership, public speaking, and career development. Students placing first or second in their events earned the opportunity to advance to the FCCLA National Leadership Conference, to be held July 5–9, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.
Culpeper County High School (CCHS)
Sixteen CCHS members competed in various Level 2 and 3 STAR Events, earning high honors:
Jose Cruz Aguillon – 3rd Place, Gold Medal, Job Interview (Level 3)
Malachi Brock – 1st Place, Silver Medal, Job Interview (Level 2)
Atleigh Barber, Nadia Kratly, Sydney Smith – 2nd Place, Gold Medal, Focus on Children (Level 2)
Leahbella Borges, Alexis Claveloux – 2nd Place, Silver Medal, Nutrition and Wellness (Level 2)
Claire Powell – 2nd Place, Gold Medal, Leadership (Level 2)
Calyse Banks, Neaveh Gilley – Bronze Medal, Interior Design (Level 2)
Ra’Shaud Threat – Bronze Medal, Public Policy (Level 2)
Malcom White – Bronze Medal, Leadership (Level 2)
Madelyn Corridi, Lyric Powers – 2nd Place, Bronze Medal, Sports Nutrition (Level 3)
CCHS was also recognized with two state-level honors:
Completion of all seven FCCLA National Programs
Top Membership Award for having the largest FCCLA chapter in Virginia
Culpeper Middle School (CMS)
CMS’s 14 student participants competed in seven Level 1 events and earned multiple awards:
Madison McCall, McKenzie Burke – Silver Medal, Focus on Children
Lilian Edwards – Silver Medal, Teach or Train
Chloe Hunchuck – Gold Medal, Professional Presentation
Emma Powell, Myla Prezleski – 1st Place, Silver Medal, Promote and Publicize
Chloe Bowling – 1st Place, Silver Medal, Interpersonal Communications
Parliamentary Procedure Team (Jackson Bahl, Nick Cook, Benjamin Hodges, Cristian Klummp, Adriana Saylor, Alexander Shackleton) – 1st Place, Silver Medal
Casaundra Baker – 2nd Place, Silver Medal, Nutrition and Wellness
CMS received a 100% Affiliation Membership Award – Middle Level, completed six of the seven National Programs, and Principal Jesse Blackburn was honored with the FCCLA Virginia Association School Administrator Award for exceptional support and leadership.
Culpeper Technical Education Center (CTEC)
In competitive culinary events, CTEC students demonstrated advanced technical skills:
Chicken Fabrication
Aaron Huang – 1st Place, Gold Medal
Carlos Diaz – Gold Medal
Decorated Cakes Exhibit
Yocely Choc Ba – 2nd Place, Silver Medal
Isabella Lowe – Silver Medal
Live Baking and Pastry
Amaeli Wohlgemuth – 2nd Place, Silver Medal
Madison Anderson – Competitor
Eastern View High School (EVHS)
EVHS earned several chapter distinctions:
Completion of all seven National Programs
600+ Membership Milestone
Gold-Level Outstanding Chapter Award for outstanding involvement throughout the year
Individual recognitions included:
Kendall Fiscus, Makayla Hall, Emma Readman – 2nd Place, Silver Medal, Entrepreneurship (Level 3)
Bethany Jenkins – Bronze Medal, Job Interview (Level 3)
Reagan Houston – Silver Medal, Teaching Strategies (Level 3)
Jessalyn Gray – Silver Medal, Professional Presentation (Level 2)
Floyd T. Binns Middle School (FTB)
FTB earned a 100% Affiliation Membership Award and was recognized for completing two National Programs. The student team of Lykha Lagarde, Melissa Mendez, and Jesus Vite earned a Silver Medal in Focus on Children (Level 1).
Inspiring Leadership and Conference Highlights
The conference theme, “Dare to Dream with FCCLA,” was brought to life through a dynamic schedule of events designed to inspire and empower student leaders. The opening keynote address by Keith Davis delivered a powerful message centered on resilience, leadership, and personal growth. During the Business Session, delegates cast votes on key statewide initiatives and selected FCCLA state officers for the 2025–26 school year. A series of engaging workshops followed, offering participants valuable insights into career readiness, leadership development, and strategies for implementing effective community service projects. At the Awards Banquet, supporters and exceptional members were honored for their contributions throughout the year. The conference concluded with a Closing Ceremony, where STAR Event medals, trophies, and scholarships were awarded, and the newly elected state officers were formally installed.
About FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a national student-led organization dedicated to preparing youth for leadership roles in their families, careers, and communities. With over 244,000 members nationwide, FCCLA is the only in-school student organization with the family as its central focus. Through hands-on experiences and national programs, students develop skills that last a lifetime.