FCCLA members compete at nationals

Seven Albany High School FCCLA chapter members traveled to Orlando, Florida, this summer to compete in the 2025 FCCLA National Leadership Conference. 

The students earned their spots at the national event after submitting video projects and documentation in February, with both Albany teams being selected among the top 20 entries in the nation, giving them the opportunity to compete among the top Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members from across the country.  

The students competed in the Instructional Video, Level 3 category, representing Albany in two separate teams. 

Team 1, composed of Chip Chambers, Huffman Heatly, and Slade Windham, created and presented a video on career planning. 

Team 2, made up of Mimi Ivy, Madison Parrott, Tristan Howe, and Woods Peterson, focused their video project on the issue of vaping.

While neither team placed in the final standings this year, FCCLA sponsor Jennifer Marshall said that both groups delivered strong presentations, and she  expressed pride in their work. More importantly, she said, the experience helped them continue to develop valuable life and career skills such as public speaking, leadership, and teamwork.

“As their advisor, I couldn’t be prouder of this group,” said Marshall. “I know public speaking is outside the comfort zone for several of those who competed, but they rose to the challenge – and that’s what FCCLA is all about.”

In addition to the competition itself, the Albany team had the chance to explore Florida beyond the conference venue. Following their presentations, the group traveled to Clearwater Beach to relax on the Gulf Coast’s white sands and swim in crystal-clear waters. On their final day in Florida, they had a kayaking adventure on the Butler Chain of Lakes in Winter Park.

Marshall and the Albany students left Albany on July 5 and returned on July 9.

Marshall noted that this year’s national conference marked a particularly impressive milestone for four of the local ­FCCLA members. 

“Mimi, Madi, Tristan, and Woods have now competed at the national level for four consecutive years – a rare and commendable achievement,” she said.

With sights already set on next year, the momentum is strong. 

“Several students are already talking about project ideas for 2026 and hopefully another trip to Nationals, which will be held in Washington D.C.,” Marshall said.

Looking ahead, Albany FCCLA is poised to bring an even larger group to the National Leadership Conference next summer. The junior high parliamentary procedure team claimed first place at the state level this past year, and the freshman and sophomore teams also had strong showings.

“I think those teams will work really hard to study and prepare in order to earn a trip to nationals,” Marshall added.

She added that as ­FCCLA continues to grow in Albany, so does the commitment of its students to leadership, service, and personal growth – values that will serve them well long after graduation.