The Shadow
COVINGTON, VA (VR) – Students from Alleghany High School’s chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) recently achieved outstanding success at the 2025 Virginia FCCLA State Leadership & Recognition Conference, earning medals, scholarships, and recognition for their leadership and service projects.
The conference brought together more than 1,000 students and advisers from FCCLA chapters across Virginia, providing a platform for students to showcase leadership, service, and career- ready skills through competitive events and networking opportunities.
Alleghany High School students Janelle Hill, FCCLA Club President, and Logan Walton, Club Secretary, competed in the organization’s STAR Events (Students Taking Action with Recognition). Their project highlighted a comprehensive presentation of FCCLA initiatives carried out throughout the school year. Their efforts earned them silver medals and a combined $6,000 in college scholarships.
Their presentation featured several impactful student-led projects, including:
“You Matter” – a mental health awareness campaign for the student body
Cougar Comfort & Connections – a community service initiative
Pumpkins in the Park – a project focused on children and family engagement
The 1st Annual Christmas Market at AET – a community-centered holiday event
In addition to Hill and Walton’s success, Nevaeh McCulley and Kasside Elmore earned a bronze medal in their STAR Event, National Programs in Action: Student Body. Their project centered on the “You Matter” initiative, where they identified a critical need for students to understand available resources during a mental health crisis and worked to raise awareness through multiple school-wide events.
As a result of their achievement, Janelle Hill and Logan Walton have qualified to attend the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. this summer, where they will represent Alleghany High School and the state of Virginia on a national stage.
The Alleghany High School FCCLA chapter extends sincere appreciation to its generous sponsors for their continued support: Alcova Mortgage (Jason Helmintoller), Jackson River Community Credit Union (Kathleen Alls), Highlands Community Bank (Daniel Lawson), and The Masonic Theatre (Teresa Hammond and Wendy Hudler) for providing space for the Cougar Comfort & Connections event.
FCCLA Adviser Lisa Richards would also like to extend a special thank you to Ms. Linda Lewis for her assistance in chaperoning the conference.
Richards also extends her appreciation to Assistant Principal Charity Hale, CTE administrator, for her ongoing support of FCCLA fundraisers and events.
“This experience has been an incredible opportunity for our students to demonstrate leadership, creativity, and a commitment to making a difference in their school and community,” said Richards.
For more information about Alleghany High School FCCLA and its programs, please contact the school directly.
