The Marlboro chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) proudly represented New York State at the 2025 National FCCLA Conference, held July 5-9 in Orlando, Florida. Advisers Chelsea Zehnacker and Ann Marie Giacoia attended alongside student members Fiona Rutigliano and Jacob Pritchard, joining more than 10,000 total attendees from across the country, including over 8,000 FCCLA members.
The conference offered a variety of inspiring workshops focused on leadership, communication, and personal growth. Attendees also enjoyed a keynote address by Alton Fitzgerald White, Broadway’s longest-running Mufasa in The Lion King.
Marlboro FCCLA brought home exceptional achievements:
Fiona Rutigliano earned a Gold medal in the Job Interview event.
Jacob Pritchard earned a Gold medal in the Chapter Service Project event for Marlboro Middle School’s Teen Closet initiative.
The Teen Closet project—also founded by Kaylee Keane and Mikal Sanchez—received national recognition as one of the Top 10 Chapter Service Projects in the country. This marks the first time in Marlboro FCCLA history that a project has placed in the national Top 10, a milestone that highlights the chapter’s commitment to excellence and community service.
In addition to competing and learning, the students made lasting memories during the trip. Marlboro FCCLA spent a day at EPCOT, including a ride on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and attended an exclusive FCCLA-only night at Universal Studios with more than 5,000 other members. They also connected with peers from across the nation during pin-trading activities and a special evening with the New York delegation at Disney Springs.
Marlboro FCCLA extends heartfelt gratitude to the generous sponsors who helped make this unforgettable trip possible: Mazzola Oil, Mike Arteaga’s, The Falcon, Environmental Labworks, and the Rivera, Terwilliger, and Zehnacker families. Their support helped turn a dream into reality and allowed Marlboro FCCLA to shine on the national stage.
Since 1945, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America has empowered students to develop leadership and life skills with the family as its central focus. Marlboro FCCLA is proud to continue that tradition and looks forward to building on this year’s incredible success.