More than 30 A-H students attend the conference held in Florida
Earlier this month, Alcester-Hudson FCCLA members joined more than 10,600 student leaders, advisers, and alumni from across the country at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference, this year held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The 2025 conference centered around the inspiring theme “Dare to Dream.”
More than 30 A-H students traveled to Florida for the national competition with several bringing home gold and/or placing in the top rankings. Michaela Kingma was the 1st Place National Champion in Teaching Strategies, Level 2. Stormi Carlson and Ava Kingma claimed 2nd Place in Digital Stories for Change, Level 3.
Other top placing individuals or teams from Alcester-Hudson included:
Hannah Ahart and Jaeley Christensen, snagging 5th Place in Instructional Video Design, Level 3; Jacob Cole and Wayne Overhulser, placing 8th in Instructional Video Design, Level 3; Madalie Wielenga, taking 6th Place in Teach or Train, Level 2; and Cheyenne Christie and Aubrey Braaten, snagging 9th Place for their Chapter Service Project Portfolio, Level 1.
Throughout the five-day event, members engaged in leadership training, service-learning opportunities, national-level competitions, and career exploration activities. Participants also attended student-led workshops, RED Talks, and general sessions that focused on equipping members with the tools to lead in their schools and communities.
FCCLA’s Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events were a highlight of the conference, where Alcester-Hudson members proudly showcased the results of months of hard work and dedication. Multiple Alcester-Hudson members were named Top 10 National Finalists, representing South Dakota with excellence.
FCCLA STAR Event participants are evaluated against a national rubric and awarded gold, silver, or bronze medals based on their scores. This year, Alcester-Hudson proudly brought home several top honors:
Michaela Kingma earned a Gold Medal in Teaching Strategies, Level 2.
Ava Kingma and Stormi Carlson earned a Gold Medal in Digital Stories for Change, Level 3.
Wayne Overhulser and Jacob Cole earned a Gold Medal in Instructional Video Design, Level 3.
Hannah Ahart and Jaeley Christensen earned a Gold Medal in Instructional Video Design, Level 3.
Lauren Meier earned a Gold Medal in Interior Design, Level 3.
Cordelia Koppman earned a Gold Medal in Nutrition and Wellness, Level 3.
Ethan Brown, Evan Haak, and Jackson Meyer received a Silver Medal in Sports Nutrition, Level 2.
Cornelia Hathcoat and Izzac Sommervold received a Silver Medal in Sports Nutrition, Level 3.
Madalie Wielenga received a Silver Medal in Teach or Train, Level 2.
Aubrey Braaten and Cheyenne Christie received a Silver Medal in Chapter Service Project Portfolio, Level 1.
Jenna Manning and McKenna Huenink received a Silver Medal in Chapter in Review Portfolio, Level 3.
Anna Oberg received a Silver Medal in Fashion Design, Level 3.
Charleanna Paulson received a Silver Medal in Fashion Construction, Level 2.
Skya Almlie and Delta Pies were awarded a Bronze Medal in FCCLA Chapter Website, Level 3.
These awards reflect the students’ commitment to excellence, leadership, and the mission of FCCLA to prepare young people for careers and life success through Family and Consumer Sciences education.
“Our students were true leaders this week,” said chapter adviser Hillary Terpstra. “They not only competed at a high level, but they also made connections with students from across the country and explored real-life opportunities that support their dreams and career goals.”
In addition to competitions, members visited the STAR Event Showcase, supported South Dakota chapters including Wessington Springs, who won the national LifeSmarts Knowledge Bowl, and volunteered as student evaluators and room consultants.
To round out the experience, members enjoyed special events like FCCLA Night at Universal Studios and a medieval-themed dinner show at Medieval Times, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
The Alcester-Hudson FCCLA chapter returns home energized and ready to “Dare to Dream” even bigger for the year ahead.
For more information about Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), visit www.fcclainc.org.