Henry County School System

FCCLA Members Attend Leadership Conference

Members of the Henry County Chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) recently represented Henry County High School and the Paris community at the 2026 FCCLA National Leadership Conference, held July 6–10 in Washington, D.C.

The chapter was among 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.

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 2026 conference 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.

The 2025–2026 FCCLA annual theme, ConneCTEd, highlighted the powerful role connection plays in career readiness and leadership development. Through FCCLA, students connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities, personal interests with future goals, and individual leadership with a national network of peers, educators, and professionals.

During the National Leadership Conference, members of Henry County FCCLA attended leadership sessions and workshops, participated in Competitive Events, visited the FCCLA Expo, served in leadership positions, participated in the FCCLA Rally on Capital Hill, explored Washington, D.C. and connected with FCCLA members from other states.

Two members of the chapter also participated in FCCLA Competitive Events, which challenge students to apply the knowledge and skills developed through Family and Consumer Sciences education to real-world issues, careers, and community needs.

Cadence Crosser competed in Promote and Publicize FCCLA and earned a bronze medal. Valeria Cervantes competed in Job Interview and earned a silver medal. We are very proud of these achievements!

“It was a privilege to watch our Henry County FCCLA members grow in many ways during this year’s conference including speaking to professionals at the FCCLA Expo booths, interacting with members from across the country, presenting their projects during the competitive events, and presenting themselves as young professionals! I know these young ladies are even more motivated now to use their leadership skills to help us have another great school year!” said Janet Pearce, FCCLA Adviser at Henry County High School.

Chapter members returned home prepared to apply what they learned through membership activities, service projects, classroom connections, leadership initiatives and community outreach.

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 Henry County FCCLA Chapter, please contact Janet Pearce at [email protected].

FCCLA Members pictured: Khloie Sipes, Cadence Crosser, Valeria Cervantes, ANeavah Davis

Welcome back to HCHS, Coach Coleman!

Welcome to HCSS, Dr. Milby!

Welcome to HCSS, Mrs. Rivero!