Orlando, FL, July 2025 – The 2025 FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) took place in Orlando, Florida, from July 5 to 9, 2025, drawing more than 10,000 students, educators, and guests from across the nation. This gathering provided a valuable platform for attendees to expand their leadership skills, hone their talents, explore career pathways, and hear from inspiring speakers.
The highly anticipated Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events were at the heart of the conference. Over 4,300 FCCLA Members competed in these events, where they were recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. The collaboration between youth and adults in managing the events and evaluating participants allowed students to develop real-world skills and gain valuable insights.
STAR Events play a pivotal role in supporting student development by enriching their classroom experience and guiding them toward successful career pathways. With more than 30 events to choose from, participants had the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities by actively addressing essential issues concerning families, careers, or communities. By researching the topic and implementing projects to advocate for positive change, students acquired valuable skills and industry insights needed to thrive in the 21st century.
We are thrilled to share that Collier Paige, Kamden Paige, and Urijah Thompson proudly represented Devine Middle School at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL. Collier Paige and Urijah Thompson competed in the National Programs in Action, Level 1 STAR Event and achieved a remarkable silver medal for their project, “Making Devine Divine,” which focused on litter cleanup in their town. The boys placed 11th overall in the nation. Kamden Paige also received a silver medal and placed 10th nationally in recognition of his Interpersonal Communications, Level 1 project, “Give a Pet a Home”, which helped Devine Animal Control find adoptive families for the dogs in their custody.
The students’ projects exemplify their dedication, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Their accomplishment at the national level is a testament to their hard work, teamwork, and unwavering passion.
Devine FCCLA would like to thank the following community members and organizations for helping these projects be successful: Devine High School, Devine Middle School, Devine Intermediate School, Madison Pike, Sarah Boehme, Roxanne Freas, Devine Animal Control, Devine City Council, Triple C Steakhouse, and Devine Market Association.
Former Devine High School FCCLA member Felix Mendoza, Class of 2025, also attended the NLC and served as an evaluator. His dedication to FCCLA was highly valued by both Devine FCCLA and Texas FCCLA. Without volunteers, the conference wouldn’t have been as successful. Claudia Mendoza and Korrey Paige helped chaperone while in Orlando. Devine FCCLA is led by Linsey Outlaw. For more information on how to get involved, please contact her at Devine High School.