Eighteen Marlboro FCCLA members, along with their three advisers, traveled to Callicoon, New York, in March to participate in the New York State Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Conference. They joined 300 attendees from across the state for this student-led event, where they honed essential life skills, competed in various events, and connected with fellow FCCLA members.
Representing the Marlboro High School chapter were Ava Todisco, Ava Vicari, Jackie Rivera, Hayden Kozlik, Julian Herrera, Fiona Rutigliano, Isabella Pellegrino, Isabella Magyar, Lucy Canizzarro, and Gianna Jarvis. Middle school participants included Kaylee Keane, Mikal Sanchez, Alex Toromanides, Leynie Jean, Olivia Ortiz, Lukas Magyar, Norah Todisco, and Jacob Pritchard.
Some students took on the role of evaluators, while others participated in state-level competitions under the guidance of their advisers: Carolyn Roeder, Chelsea Zehnacker, and Ann Marie Giacoia.
Marlboro students brought home several medals for their hard work and dedication:
Fiona (Job Interview): Silver*
Isabella M. & Lucy (Interior Design): Gold**
Norah (Repurpose & Redesign): Silver
Lukas & Alex (Repurpose & Redesign): Gold**
Kaylee, Jacob, & Mikal (Community Service): Gold*
Ava T. (Community Service): Silver
Ava V. & Gianna (Community Service): Gold*
Julian (Career Investigation): Bronze
(*Qualified for National competition, **Qualified as alternates)
In addition to these achievements, Giacoia was honored with the NYS STAR Event Service Award, and Zehnacker was recognized for her ten years of advisership. Marlboro seniors Jackie Rivera and Natalie Terwilliger also received scholarships from the FHA foundation.
Beyond the competitions, students participated in hands-on workshops focusing on financial planning, digital awareness, upcycling, travel and hospitality, and personal motivation. The conference’s theme, "Finding the U in Success," encouraged students to reflect on their strengths and aspirations. Keynote speaker Lasada Pippen delivered an inspiring message about perseverance, urging students to "P.U.S.H."—Persevere Until Success Happens.
Congratulations to all the students and advisers for their hard work and achievements at this year’s conference!