Members of the Fulda Chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) recently represented Fulda High School at the 2026 FCCLA National Leadership Conference, held July 6–10 in Washington, D.C.
The chapter was among over 200 delegates representing Minnesota and more than 10,000 FCCLA members, advisers, and guests from across the nation, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa who gathered for five days of leadership development, career exploration, competition, recognition, service, and connection. The FCCLA National Leadership Conference is the organization’s largest annual gathering.
The theme “ConneCTED”, marked a historic moment for FCCLA. Attendees gathered in the nation’s capital as Washington, D.C., and communities across the country commemorated America’s 250th anniversary. Against the backdrop of this national celebration, FCCLA members honored the leadership and service that shaped the country while preparing to help lead its next chapter.
Members of the Fulda FCCLA watched the world’s largest fireworks display over the Washington Monument; attended leadership development sessions, workshops, and RED talks; toured the Museum of Natural History, Museum of American History, Holocaust Memorial Museum, and National Archives; saw the Washington, Lincoln, World War I, World War II, and Vietnam War memorials or monuments; heard dynamic leadership speakers, participated in an FCCLA rally at the U.S. Capitol building; took in business sessions; attended a Washington Nationals Baseball game; and got great new ideas and did networking at the FCCLA Expo and Showcase.
“It was amazing being here for the 250th birthday of the United States, seeing the fireworks and the monuments and museums, and also getting to be with all of these other FCCLA members from across the country,” said Zoe Nelson, Fulda FCCLA member who made her 3rd trip to the National Conference.
“I loved meeting new people from all over the country and trading our state pins for theirs. It is a great way to learn new things.” Fulda Region Vice President Cullen VanderBeek stated.
All 8 members of the chapter also participated in FCCLA Competitive Events, which are designed to challenge students to apply the knowledge and skills developed through Family and Consumer Sciences education to real-world issues, careers, and community needs.
Zoe Nelson, Ruth Ethridge, and Emma Nielsen competed in National Programs in Action – Level 3, and earned a Silver Medal. Vincent Bray, Cullen Vanderbeek, Grace Sawadogo, Mara Clarke, and Brynlee Farris competed in Parliamentary Procedure – Level 2, and earned a Silver Medal also.
Chapter members returned home prepared to apply what they learned through new service projects, mentoring younger members, completing their officer goals, and trying to earn a trip to San Antonio next year.
“For our chapter, the National Leadership Conference was more than a trip,” said Fulda Chapter Adviser Jonathon Curry. “It was an opportunity to see what is possible when students are given the skills, support, and confidence to lead.”
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is a national Career and Technical Student Organization for students enrolled in Family and Consumer Sciences education. Through classroom instruction and hands-on FCCLA experiences, students develop leadership, workplace readiness, technical, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while preparing for careers that strengthen families, industries, and communities.
The conference demonstrated that leadership is not limited to a title or a single moment. It is developed through every connection made, challenge accepted, skill strengthened, and opportunity used to serve others. Through FCCLA, students are not simply preparing for the future. They are gaining the experience and confidence to help shape it.
For more information or to learn how you can support the Fulda FCCLA Chapter, please contact Jonathon Curry at jonathon. curry@isd505.org
