Submitted

Students from Trenton Middle School recently represented their school at the 2026 Missouri Family, Career and Community Leaders of America State Leadership Conference, held March 15-17 at University Plaza and Expo in Springfield.

A total of 1,778 delegates from across Missouri attended the conference, representing more than 9,000 FCCLA members statewide.

Trenton Middle School students attending were Kennedy Baker, Anne Lasley, Madelyn Browning, Ashlynn Davis, Lindy Hunter, Samantha Garcia, Brooklynn Ray, Lillyann Lorenz, Layla Woodard and Piper West. Chapter adviser Joy Bridges also attended.

The conference featured the student-developed theme “Red Carpet Ready,” highlighting leadership and personal growth among Missouri FCCLA members. The event opened Sunday evening with a general session in which the 2025-2026 Missouri FCCLA State Executive Council presented awards, recognized honorees and helped set the tone for the conference. Bryan Rush served as keynote speaker, encouraging students as they prepare for life beyond school.

More than 1,200 students participated in competitive events during the conference, with contests offered in more than 107 STAR Events and Show-Me Skill Events. Categories included entrepreneurship, culinary arts, job interview, chapter service project, event management, early childhood education and sports nutrition, among many others.

All Trenton Middle School students who competed in STAR Events were recognized on stage for placing in the top five of their categories.

Anne Lasley competed in the Sustainability Challenge event, earning a silver rating and placing third in the state. She qualified for the National Leadership Conference this summer.

Madelyn Browning also placed third in the state, receiving a silver rating in Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation.

Ashlynn Davis competed in Fashion Construction, where she earned a gold rating, placed second in the state and qualified for national competition.

Lindy Hunter and Samantha Garcia competed in Food Innovation. They received silver ratings, placed second in the state and also qualified for nationals.

Brooklynn Ray and Lillyann Lorenz competed in Repurpose and Redesign, earning gold ratings and placing third in the state.

Layla Woodard and Piper West competed in Focus on Children and received gold ratings.

Kennedy Baker contributed to the conference by serving as a student room consultant for competitive events.

In addition to competitions, students attended workshops focused on leadership development, community service, career preparation and healthy living. Exhibits from Missouri colleges, universities and businesses were also featured during the conference.

Student voting delegates elected the 2026-2027 Missouri FCCLA State Executive Council, voted on bylaw revisions and raised money for the state outreach project benefiting Care to Learn.