Gabe Stark
Reporter

Trenton Middle School student Ashlynn Davis earned a silver rating while representing her school at the 2026 Family, Career and Community Leaders of America National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

The conference, held July 6-10, brought together more than 10,000 FCCLA members, advisers and guests from across the United States, Puerto Rico and American Samoa. Davis was among 231 Missouri students who competed at the national event.

Davis competed in the Fashion Construction STAR Event, presenting an outfit she designed and sewed. The project included flared jeans with a lace inset and a coordinating top.

She titled the project “Ashlynn Rae’s Buttons and Bows” after incorporating blue bows and bow-shaped buttons throughout the outfit. Her work earned a silver rating from the national judges.

Davis said the conference challenged her to grow both personally and professionally.

“I learned the importance of leadership, teamwork and perseverance while connecting with students from across the country who share the same passion for making a difference,” she said. “I was able to bring home new ideas and skills that I will carry with me into my future.”

Davis, a seventh-grade student, serves as vice president of the Trenton Middle School FCCLA chapter. She plans to use what she learned at the conference to help lead local service projects, encourage other students to participate in STAR Events and help fellow members develop their leadership skills.

In addition to competing, Davis and the Trenton Middle School group toured several Washington, D.C. landmarks. The group took a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol and visited the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

The chapter also participated in an FCCLA rally on Capitol Hill, where members promoted the importance of career and technical education programs. FCCLA is incorporated into Family and Consumer Sciences classes and gives students opportunities to develop leadership, communication, workplace readiness and problem-solving skills.

The 2026 conference coincided with events commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Participants attended leadership sessions, educational workshops, career exploration programs and networking activities designed to connect classroom lessons with future careers.

TMS FCCLA adviser Joy Bridges said the conference allowed students to see the opportunities available to them through the organization.

“For our chapter, the National Leadership Conference was more than a trip,” Bridges said. “It was an opportunity to see what is possible when students are given the skills, support and confidence to lead.”

Bridges also thanked the businesses and organizations that helped make the trip possible. Tractor Supply Co. allowed the chapter to conduct a bake sale, while the Trenton Elks Lodge, BTC Bank and Modine provided donations.

“We very much appreciate the community support we received to help our students attend this conference,” Bridges said. “We are grateful for their generosity.”