Washington, D.C — Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) welcomed more than 10,000 student members, advisers, and guests from across the nation to the 2026 National Leadership Conference (NLC), July 6–10, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Centered around the conference theme, "ConneCTEd," the annual event provided attendees with opportunities to strengthen leadership skills, participate in educational programming, network with peers, and celebrate student achievement. Hosted in the nation's capital during the United States' 250th anniversary celebration, the conference offered a memorable backdrop for leadership development and career exploration.
Throughout the week, attendees participated in engaging workshops, inspiring general sessions, leadership development experiences, and networking opportunities. The conference also featured FCCLA Competitive Events, where members from across the country demonstrate their knowledge and skills in Family and Consumer Sciences and Career Clusters.
"ConneCTEd represents the power of building relationships, strengthening leadership, and preparing young people to make a meaningful impact in their schools, families, workplaces, and communities," said Sandy Spavone. "The National Leadership Conference is an opportunity for FCCLA Members to grow personally and professionally while celebrating their accomplishments with peers from across the country."
Gilboa-Conesville FCCLA sent three students, along with their advisor Michelle Fleischman, to compete in their STAR events (Students Taking Action with Recognition) at the national level. Bray Shultes was placed as a top 10 finalist in her category of National Programs in Action and took home a silver for her advocacy and outreach about raising awareness and funds for ALS. Abigail Woodcock and Ariana Yepez also earned a silver for the Chapter Service Display Project where they collected items and taught chapter members how to make dog toys from old t-shirts. Congratulations!! New York had 95 students and 14 advisors in attendance and took home 17 gold, 27 silver, and 5 bronze with 10 top 10 finalists!
Some other highlights that members were able to do during the week:
Visit the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and WWII Memorial at night
Tour Arlington National Cemetery and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Attend FCCLA night at the Washington Nationals ball park
Explore the various Smithsonian Museums including the National Portrait Gallery, American History Museum, and the Smithsonian Castle
Rally at the Capitol with FCCLA
Views of the White House (and the Visitors Center), Capitol Building, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, WWI memorial and so many other federal buildings
Gilboa-Conesville FCCLA would like to thank the community and school for their continued support to grow leadership skills and help students gain life skills and experiences. A special thanks to our sponsors that helped to get these students to Washington, DC and students attending summer leadership training at SUNY Oneonta this July:
G-Jimmie’s Ice Cream Shop
Grand Gorge Tire, Inc.
Pizza Plus
Middleburgh Lanes
Gardens by Trista
Jen’s Unisex Hair Salon
Beauty by Sheila
Sundae’s Restaurant and Tasty Freeze
Durkin Construction
W.T. Soap
The Horseshoe Cafe
The Carroll Family
The Fleischman Family
The Iervolino Family
About FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic national Career and Technical Student Organization that prepares members for careers through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA provides opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and career preparation by addressing important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education.
Press release submitted by Michelle Fleishman, adult chapter adviser and coordinator for the Marlboro FCCLA.
