Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a national student organization dedicated to supporting family and consumer science education. At the New Castle Career Center, all students enrolled in the Education Professions program actively participate in FCCLA projects and events, gaining practical experience that extends beyond the classroom.
FCCLA currently focuses on six career clusters: Education and Training, Hospitality and Tourism, Arts and Design, Personal Finance, Human Services, and Public Service. Each option offers students opportunities to explore future careers while developing leadership skills.
2026 FCCLA Hosts State Leadership Conference in Muncie
Locally, biggest event of the year is the Indiana State Leadership Conference. This year’s theme, “Ignite Your Leadership,” came to life recently at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie. The conference included general sessions, youth breakout sessions, a career college, a community fair, and even a dance to celebrate.
“An important highlight for our chapters is the submission and participation in state projects and STAR events,” said Melynda Huckeby, Education Professions Instructor. “For our chapters, state project topics included Beyond the Basics, Lesson Planning, Childhood Healthy Snack, Healthy Choices = Healthy Teens, and Career Exploration.”
The FCCLA Planning Process
State projects start with students choosing a topic from the Indiana website. Students submit projects and the projects are scored using a detailed rubric, with participants earning bronze, silver, or gold medals. STAR projects begin with students choosing a more detailed event, preparing the components, and presenting the project in front of evaluators at the state conference. The top contenders qualify for nationals.
“There was much time and preparation that went into participating. We had after school work sessions and were grateful to have the support and help of former instructor Leesa Meyers,” Huckeby shared.
FCCLA STAR Event Awards for Students
Zoey Wilkinson
STAR Event: Career Investigation
Medal: Bronze
Kylee Lutes and Makayla Flynn
STAR Event: Focus on Children
Medal: Silver
Anyah Amman and Alexia (Lexi) Phipps
STAR Event: Focus on Children
Medal: Silver
Alyssa Arnold and Stormy Williams
STAR Event: Event Management
Medal: Silver
Savannah Dock and Finley Ewing
STAR Event: Nutrition and Wellness
Medal: Silver
First-year NCCC student Stormy Williams expressed, “Overall, the conference was a blast. I speak for everyone when I say we have made memories together that were worth all the stress, and it made us all closer.”
Huckeby echoed that sentiment. “The success is wonderful, and I’m so proud of how they represented their chapters and program. While the medals and recognitions are outstanding, I hope they took away some lifelong memories.”
She added appreciation for the many supporters behind the scenes. “We would like to thank the mentoring teachers, parents, and community partners. A special thank you to Leesa Meyers and the family of Jim Howard for helping us secure signature FCCLA jackets.”
For further details on the education professions program and other programs offered by the New Castle Career Center, please visit nccareercenter.org.