East Central FCCLA Chapters Win Big at the 2025 National Leadership Conference

The conference was held last week in Orlando.

Group picture: Front Row: Left to right: Elizabeth Scholle, Tristyn Ankenman, Gabriella Stevens, Josie Wolf, Layla Craig, Macy Lyness, Abby Cross, Kayla Craig, Allison Weiler, Gracelynn Holland, Juliette Stevens. Middle Row:  Tammy Neltner, Brenda Osman, Payton Boone, Novalee Fultz, Savannah Clary, Lexi Babb, Chloe Hensley, Elle Jankovsky, Mackenzie Beever, Emmarie Nowlin, Kendra Earnshaw, Savannah Campbell, Audrey Rouse, Josie Bonilla, Ashley McConnell. Back Row: Annabelle Edmonds, Tatum Johnson, Courtney Lewis, Adalynn Greer, Hailey Rack, Rachel Morton, Aislyn Ankenman, Grace Kirchgassner, Gwenevere Mcconnaughey, Adison Quillen, Isabella Nichols. Photo provided.

(Orlando, Fl.) - The 2025 FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) took place in Orlando, Florida, from July 5 – July 9th, drawing more than 10,600 students, educators, and guests from across the nation. This gathering provided a valuable platform for attendees to expand their leadership skills, sharpen their talents, explore career pathways, and listen to inspiring speakers.

The Indiana FCCLA State Officers, including two state officers from East Central High School including Abby Cross, Indiana FCCLA State President and Macy Lyness Vice President of Development led the state delegation at general sessions. They also served as voting delegates. Lastly, they attended state officer training to meet state officers from across the country.

The highly anticipated Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events were at the heart of the conference. Over 5,500 FCCLA Members competed in these events, where they were recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. The collaboration between youth and adults in managing the events and evaluating participants allowed students to develop real-world skills and gain valuable insights.

STAR Events are pivotal in supporting student development by enhancing their classroom experience and guiding them toward successful career pathways. With more than 36 events to choose from, participants had the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities by actively addressing essential issues concerning families, careers, or communities. By researching the topic and implementing projects to advocate for positive change, students acquired valuable skills and industry insights needed to thrive in the 21st century.

We are thrilled to share that proudly members of both the East Central Middle School competed at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida.

• Gracelynn Holland and Annabelle Edmonds competed in the Chapter Service Display Level 1 STAR Event and achieved a remarkable gold medal and placed 3rd in the Nation in recognition of their outstanding performance.
• Grace Kirchgassner and Gwenevere McConnaughey participated in the Interpersonal Communication Level 1 and received a Silver Medal and placed in the top 10 of the event.
• Tristyn Ankenman, Elizabeth Scholle and Juliette Stevens earned a gold medal in Chapter Service Project Display, Level 1.
• Rachel Morton received a Silver medal in Chapter Service Portfolio Level 1. In the National Programs in Action Level 1, receiving a bronze medal was Gabriella Stevens.
• Achieving a silver medal in Repurpose and Redesign is Allison Weiler.
• Addison Quillen also competed in the FCCLA Knowledge Test and Demonstration Skill Event Job Interviewing at the National Level.

The following East Central High School members competed in STAR Events.

• Macy Lyness and Josie Wolf competed in the Chapter Service Portfolio Level 2 STAR Event and attained an outstanding gold medal and 2nd in the Nation for their project.
• In the Baking and Pastry Event, Tatum Johnson earned a silver medal.
• Receiving silver medals were Elizabeth Littleton and Payton Boone in the Chapter Service Display Event, Level 2.
• Savannah Campbell and Isabella Nichols earned a Gold Medal in the Chapter Service Portfolio Level 3 Event.
• Layla Craig and Kayla Craig were in the Top 10 Finalists and received a Gold Medal in the Chapter Service Display Level 3 Event
• Elle Jankovsky received a gold medal in the Focus on Children Level 3 Event.
• Courtney Lewis and Lexi Babb earned a Gold Medal in Focus on Children Level 2 STAR Event.
• In the Chapter Service Display Level 2 Event was Aislyn Ankenman and she received a Silver Medal. Savannah Clary and Novalee Fultz received a gold medal.
• Adalynn Greer, Chloe Hensley and Hailey Rack competed in Professional Presentation STAR Event and received a Gold Medal.
• In the Leadership STAR Event, receiving a Silver Medal was Abby Cross.
• In the Interpersonal Communication Event, receiving a Silver Medal were Kendra Earnshaw and Audrey Rouse.
• Mackenzie Beever received a Silver medal in the Fashion Design Level 3 Event.
• In the Fashion Design Level 2 Event, Emmarie Nowlin received a Silver Medal.

The students’ projects exemplify their dedication, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Their accomplishment at the national level is a testament to their hard work, teamwork, and unwavering passion.

The East Central FCCLA was accompanied by Chapter Advisers, Brenda Osman, Ashley McConnell, Tammy Neltner and Josie Bonilla. The chaperones/parents that attended were Lea Henson, Ashley Clary, Peg Lyness, Melissa Wolf, Emily Eppert, Staci Edmonds, Tama Stevens, Kim Lewis, Korry Johnson, Sarah McConnaughey, Katey Holland, Chris Holland,and Andrew Beever.