07/12/2026
It's hard to believe our week in Washington, D.C., has already come to an end.
This past week, I had the incredible privilege of taking an amazing group of students to Washington, D.C., to represent Valley R-VI at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference. Every year, I remind myself that while the competition is important, this trip is about so much more than medals and placements. It's about giving students experiences they may never have otherwise, helping them step outside of their comfort zones, and making memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
One thing I always try to do is make this trip about them. FCCLA offers special events throughout the week, but those events come with an additional cost. Instead, I ask the students what they want to see and experience. Their answers become our adventure. This year we walked miles upon miles, rode electric scooters and e-bikes all over D.C., navigated the Metro and New York subway system, traveled by Amtrak, and even took a road trip to the Jersey Shore. We laughed until our sides hurt, made memories we will never forget, and watched our students grow in confidence every single day.
Before I recap our week, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Julie Clark and the parents who were able to travel with us. Thank you for trusting me with your children, for helping throughout the week, and for sharing in these memories. Having your support meant more than you know.
Day 1: We started our adventure with an early morning flight to Washington, D.C. After a smooth trip, we took the Metro to our hotel, visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum, and spent the evening at The Wharf enjoying dinner together. It was the perfect way to kick off the week, even though everyone was ready for bed after a long day of traveling.
Day 2: Competition officially began, and Chelsi was the first to compete. No matter the outcome, I was already incredibly proud of her. Afterward, we explored Washington, D.C., with many of us riding electric scooters for the very first time. We visited the Washington Monument, Smithsonian museums, the Lincoln Memorial, and the World War II Memorial before heading back to prepare for the FCCLA Opening Session.
Day 3: We traded the city for the coast! We rented a car and drove through Maryland and Delaware, then into New Jersey to spend the day at the Ocean City Boardwalk. While the Atlantic Ocean wasn't exactly warm, a couple of the girls decided they couldn't pass up the opportunity to say they swam in it anyway. We enjoyed great food, beautiful scenery, and a relaxing day together before heading back to D.C.
Day 4: Our remaining competitors presented, and I couldn't have been prouder watching them showcase all their hard work. Throughout the day, students attended leadership workshops and Red Talks, explored the FCCLA Expo, and spent time pin trading while networking with students from across the nation. It was amazing to watch friendships form among students from states they had never even visited. After everything wrapped up, we did a little shopping, visited Union Market, enjoyed an incredible family style dinner at Carmine's, and ended the night e-biking around Washington, D.C., taking in the White House and many of the monuments beautifully illuminated after dark.
Day 5: We were up before the sun for our New York City adventure! We caught the 4:00 a.m. Amtrak and spent the day mastering the subway system while exploring one of the greatest cities in the world. We started and ended our day in Times Square and visited Carlos Bakery, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center (including the Skylift), Battery Park to see the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge (although pouring rain kept us from crossing into DUMBO as we had planned), Chinatown, and Chelsea Market. It was a long day, but one none of us will ever forget.
Day 6: Awards Day.
This is always the day filled with excitement, nerves, and a few tears.
No matter what happened on that stage, these students had already won. They had challenged themselves, represented our school with professionalism, met students from all across the country, and made memories that will last a lifetime.
But watching their hard work be recognized made the moment even sweeter.
Briley Turner earned a Gold Medal.
Chelsi Glore earned 9th Place in the Nation.
Mylei Francis, Mercy Anderson, and Heidi DeClue earned 5th Place in the Nation.
To say I am proud would be an understatement. I watched these students spend countless hours preparing, practicing, revising, and believing in themselves. They represented Valley R-VI, our community, and the State of Missouri with integrity, professionalism, and kindness. As a teacher, moments like these are why I love what I do. Watching students discover what they are capable of is one of the greatest gifts this profession can offer.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our community.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Bronze Sponsor
• Brockmiller Construction
Silver Sponsor
• WashCo Farm Supply
Platinum Sponsors
• Old Tyme Diner
• Belgrade State Bank
And a very special thank you to Lou Lou's for creating our shirts. We received compliments throughout the week, and our students proudly represented our school everywhere we went.
Finally, thank you to every single person who supported these students through donations, sponsorships, fundraisers, encouragement, and prayers. Every meal attended, every donation made, and every kind word spoken helped make this opportunity possible.
These students didn't just compete at Nationals; they experienced history, explored new cities, met lifelong friends from across the country, learned from incredible leaders, stepped outside of their comfort zones, and returned home with memories that can never be taken away.
The medals are wonderful, but the confidence they gained, the friendships they built, and the experiences they shared are the true victories.
I couldn't be more proud of this amazing group of young leaders.
Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of their journey.
