FCCLA members

Twenty-two members of the Marlboro FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) attended the New York State (NYS) FCCLA Conference in Callicoon, New York, from March 23-25. The members were joined by their advisors, Ann Marie Giacoia and Chelsea Zehnacker, as well as several other esteemed guests.

This annual conference gives students the opportunity to learn important life skills, compete in community service-based events, and meet other FCCLA members from across the State. Aside from competing and fulfilling leadership duties, the students immersed themselves in skill-based workshops, student body activities, and parliamentary procedure.

In addition, the Marlboro students gained vital information about financial literacy and environmental awareness through the State’s “Save the Bees” initiative, and explored future employment opportunities by speaking with representatives from hospitality/tourism, healthcare, education, law enforcement, and business careers.

Attending the conference from the Marlboro High School were Seamus Daly, Reese Shuta, Jackie Rivera, Samantha Carney, Izzy Cantone, Izzy Vicari, Sophia Benanti, Luca Benanti, Natalie Terwilliger, Emma Bogacyzk, Molly Daly, and Tori Ciaglia.   Shyanne Taylor, Mariana Soufrant, Ava Todisco, Gianna Faricelilia, Emma LaPolla, Ciara McManus, Kathem Fakhoury, Hayden Kozlik, Ava Vicari, and Caleb Corrado represented Marlboro Middle School.

Several club members served as evaluators during the conference, while the others participated in various State-level competitions. During the event’s closing session, Jackie Rivera and Samantha Carney were installed as the 2022-2023 NYS Vice President of Community Service and Vice President of Communications, respectively. Zehnacker received the 2022 NYS Spirit of Advising Award for her consistent and faithful dedication to her students, and Giacoia was recognized for her 30 years of service to the FCCLA organization.

The students and their advisors had a wonderful three days and are looking forward to representing NYS at the national convention in San Diego this summer.


The following FCCLA members were awarded medals for their performance in the State-level competitions:

Ava V., Hayden, and Caleb in Culinary Arts: Silver

Ava T. in Cupcake Decorating: Silver

Molly in Cake Decorating: Gold

Natalie in Chapter in Review: Bronze

Luca in Chapter in Review: Silver*

Tori in Chapter Service Project: Silver

Emma L. and Ciara in Focus on Children: Bronze

Emma B. in Focus on Children: Silver

Marianna and Shyanne in Food Innovations: Bronze

Gianna in Professional Presentation: Gold*

Kathem in Public Policy: Silver*

*Students qualified to compete at national competition as per State requirement