CAMBRIDGE, Ohio (AVC News) — Four Cambridge High School students earned national recognition while representing Ohio at the 2026 Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
According to FCCLA advisor Alaina Tharp, the conference celebrated leadership, career readiness, service and personal growth while bringing together students from across the country.
“Our students represented both their school and the state of Ohio with pride on the national stage,” Tharp said.
Kaedence Hood earned a Gold rating for the chapter’s FCCLA website and placed third nationally, finishing among the top website competitors in the country.
Emily Epler, Madeline Furbee and Jase Tharp received a Silver rating for their “Chapter in Review” display, which highlighted the Cambridge FCCLA chapter’s accomplishments, leadership initiatives, service projects and community impact throughout the year.
In addition to competition, students participated in leadership sessions with thousands of FCCLA members from across the United States and explored several historic sites in the nation’s capital.
The group visited the National Archives to view the nation’s founding documents, toured Washington, D.C. monuments by trolley, explored Smithsonian museums and attended a Washington Nationals baseball game.
Students also received a behind-the-scenes tour of the U.S. Capitol, courtesy of U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson and his staff.
Tharp said the experiences gave students a firsthand look at American history, government and culture while reinforcing the leadership and civic engagement values promoted through FCCLA.
While serving on the FCCLA National Consultant Team during the conference, Tharp also presented an All-Access Scholarship on behalf of the Ohio FCCLA Endowment to a deserving Ohio FCCLA member.
The chapter also recognized Cambridge High School teacher Jenn Luallen for assisting students throughout the conference while Tharp fulfilled her national responsibilities.
“Congratulations to all four of our chapter members on their outstanding national accomplishments and for representing Cambridge High School with excellence,” Tharp said. “Their success reflects the dedication, leadership and hard work that continue to make the Cambridge FCCLA chapter one of Ohio’s premier FCCLA programs.”
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is a national Career and Technical Student Organization for students enrolled in Family and Consumer Sciences education programs.
Last Updated on July 17, 2026 by AVC News
