April 23, 2026
By EMILY MARSHALL
Rutherford County Schools
The 2026 Tennessee FCCLA State Leadership Conference brought together top student leaders from across the state, and Rutherford County Schools’ members delivered an outstanding performance, earning multiple state titles and national qualifications.
Held in Chattanooga, the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference, is the premier event for students in human services, education, design, and hospitality pathways. The conference features competitive events, leadership academy sessions, and a college and career fair, providing students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, grow as leaders, and explore future career pathways.
State Champions
- Chapter in Review Display (Level 3) – Silver, 1st Place: Kenndra Mayes and Adysen Segroves (National Qualifiers), Riverdale High
- Chapter Service Display (Level 3) – Gold, 1st Place: Evie Harlan, Mary Puac-Perez, and Jazmine Welch (National Qualifiers), Riverdale High
- Children’s Literature – Gold, 1st Place: Lydia Dancer (National Qualifier), Oakland High
- Focus on Children (Level 2) – Gold, 1st Place: Joy Zaki and Xiomara Sierra-Pozos (National Qualifiers), Riverdale High
- Focus on Children (Level 3) – Gold, 1st Place: Isabella Matue and Alexes Nobles (National Qualifiers), Riverdale High
- Storybooks for Change (Level 3) – Gold, 1st Place: Catherine Phillips, Mallory Grooms, and Chloe Trammell (National Qualifiers), Oakland High
State Finalists
- Storybooks for Change (Level 2) – Gold, 2nd Place: Sheyli Lopez and Adriana Lopez (National Qualifiers), Oakland High
- Repurpose and Redesign (Level 2) – Silver, 5th Place: Katie Peters and Alexa Reeves, Riverdale High
- Say Yes to FCS Star Event - Silver, 2nd Place; Allie Jean Barry (National Qualifier), Blackman High.
Chapter Recognitions: Oakland FCCLA was recognized for its Member Campaign (Level 2) for chapter growth during the 2025–2026 school year.
Students who earned top placements will compete at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., July 6–10, 2026. This national event brings together top FCCLA members from across the country to compete, network, and explore career opportunities on a larger stage.
Leadership Development & Student Experience
In addition to competition, all participating students engaged in leadership labs designed to strengthen communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. These experiences are a core component of FCCLA, helping students grow both personally and professionally while preparing for future careers.
FCCLA is a national Career and Technical Student Organization that prepares students for careers in family and consumer sciences–related fields. Through competitive events, leadership development, and community engagement, FCCLA equips students with real-world skills for success. To learn more about FCCLA, visit https://fcclainc.org.