Fifteen members of the Marlboro chapters of FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) attended the New York State (NYS) FCCLA Conference in Callicoon, New York from March 20-22. The members were joined by their advisors, Carolyn Roeder, Chelsea Zehnacker, and Ann Marie Giacoia.
The students were among more than 250 attendees at the conference this year. The annual event gives FCCLA members the opportunity to learn important skills for life, compete in community service and skills-based events, and meet other members from across the State.
Representing the Marlboro High School chapter at the conference was Ava Todisco, Ava Vicari, Sophia Quezada, John Caleb Corrado, Gianna Faricellia, and Natalie Terwilliger. Lucy Cannizzaro, Isabella Pellegrino, Isabella Magyar, Julian Herrera, Zoi Kosta, Mikal Sanchez, Fiona Rutigliano, Kaylee Keane, and Madison Charlemagne attended from the Middle School. Caleb served as an evaluator while the other Marlboro representatives participated in competitions. Additionally, Natalie ended her term as the 2023-2024 NYS Vice President of Public Relations, while Ava Todisco completed her program as a NYS Junior Leader.
Aside from competing and fulfilling leadership duties, students attending the conference were immersed in skill-based workshops, student body activities, skits by their peers, and parliamentary procedures. Our Marlboro students gained vital information about community service and giving back through the State’s “Branch Out” initiative. They learned about edible flowers and gardening, the dangers of drunk driving, public speaking, and more after attending various workshops. The students also learned valuable lessons about failure through Abigail Bettendorf’s inspirational address on grace and perseverance.
The students and their advisors had a wonderful three days and are looking forward to representing NYS at the national FCCLA convention this summer.
The following FCCLA members were awarded medals for their performance in the State-level competitions:
Fiona in Toys that Teach: Bronze
Isabella P. in Chapter in Review: Gold*
Lucy in Chapter Service Project: Silver*
Ava V. and Sophia in Focus on Children: Gold*
Mikal in Focus on Children: Silver
Gianna in Event Planning: Silver*
Kaylee in Thematic Table Setting: Gold
Madison in Cupcake Decorating: Silver
Isabella M. and Zoi in Culinary: Gold
Julian in Cupcake Decorating: Gold
Ava T. in Cake Decorating: Bronze
*Students qualified to compete at the national competition as per State requirement