FCCLA Members Flourish with Purpose at the 2026 State Leadership Conference
Nearly 1,200 youth members, chapter advisers, and guests from across the state gathered for the Nebraska Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America’s (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference held in Lincoln, Nebraska, March 29-31, 2026, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Over the three-day conference, students attended general sessions, participated in workshops on relevant youth issues, toured local organizations, networked with organizations and post-secondary institutions, competed in various competitive events, and much more! 26 members from the Leigh chapter attended this year’s conference!
Students started on their conference path on Sunday, March 29, with the Opening General Session led by the 2025-2026 State Officer Team. This session featured adult and adviser awards along with individual member recognition. This year, Mrs. Megan Hillen was the recipient of the Adviser Committed to Excellence Award.
Attendees had the opportunity to attend a variety of breakout sessions on Monday and Tuesday presented by FCCLA youth leaders and outside partners, including Kaiti Blackburn from Jana’s Campaign, Derek Feyerherm from the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Meghan Christensen from Midland University, KB Mensah & Kris Whisenhunt from Visionary Youth, Dr. Vernetta Kosalka from UNL Hospitality, Tourism, & Restaurant Management, Dr. Kimberly Clawson & Wendy Baumeister, PsyD, LMHP from BHECN Southeast, Dr. Dawn Lindsley, UNL Child, Youth and Family Studies & Dr. Carol Erwin, Wayne State College, and Abby Miller from The Leadership Center. The Opportunity Fair featured various colleges, organizations, and businesses for members to connect with.
The conference continued with the Recognition General Session on Monday evening, where attendees heard from Dr. Brian Maher, Nebraska Commissioner of Education, and keynote speaker, Ketric Newell. Newell challenged FCCLA members to examine the limiting beliefs and messages that influence their confidence, choices, and leadership potential. Through an encouraging and reflective message, he emphasized the power of selfawareness, truth, and personal responsibility in shaping one’s future.
Chapter awards were presented during the Recognition Session on Monday evening where recipients were recognized on-stage for their accomplishments. This year, the Leigh Chapter received recognition as a Gold Chapter and received the Red and White Affiliation Award.
On Tuesday morning, FCCLA members showcased their projects and initiatives from the past year through the Spotlight on Projects event. More than 30 displays from chapters across the state were available for members to review. Ava Kasik, Karly Wendt, and Nevaeh Zulkoski shared their project NourishED. For Spotlight on Projects, participants highlight their work in categories like Community Service, Career Connection, and National Programs, setting up displays to share results with evaluators and peers.
This year, more than 700 students participated in STAR events at the State Leadership Conference. STAR Events (Students Taking Action with Recognition) recognize members for proficiency and achievement in individual and chapter projects, leadership skills, and career preparation in over 30 national events. Students who were named the State Champion or Runner-Up and earned a Gold or Silver medal also qualified to compete in the national competition in Washington, D.C. this July!
For the Leigh Chapter, Sydney Messerlie, Ava Kasik, Karly Wendt, Nevaeh Zulkoski, Emersyn Urban, Vylet Hollatz, Lainey Urban, Eisley Urban, Khloe Kabes, and Emery Malena all qualified for nationals in their respective events!
The conference wrapped up on Tuesday, March 31, with the Closing General Session. Additionally, the 2025-2026 State Officer Team reflected on their year of service to Nebraska FCCLA prior to the installation of the 2026-2027 State Officer Team. The 2026-2027 State Peer Officer Teams and overall SPOT council were also announced prior to the adjourning of the conference.