Lawson FCCLA Shines at 2025 Missouri State Leadership Conference
Lawson FCCLA members attended the 2025 Missouri Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference from March 16-18 at Margaritaville Lake Resort and Conference Center in Osage Beach. Nearly 1,283 delegates from across Missouri represented more than 9,263 members of FCCLA.
This year’s conference, themed “Missouri FCCLA: The Greatest Show,” highlighted how members showcase their leadership skills. The event began with the Opening General Session on Sunday evening, presided over by the 2024-2025 Missouri FCCLA State Executive Council, with keynote speaker John Beede.
Lawson Middle School Achievements
On Monday, nearly 856 students participated in over 30 competitive STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events. Lawson Middle School was well represented, earning several top honors:
River Coffman, Chasyn Campbell, and Braxton Vosika competed in Chapter Service Project Portfolio, earning a silver rating and placing in the top five. Their project involved making 400 cinnamon rolls for local veterans at the Veteran’s Day Breakfast.
Janie Braune, Joanna Wood, and Taylen Vaughn competed in National Programs in Action, earning a silver rating for demonstrating how to make a healthy and easy meal to Foods classes.
Kylie Barker and Avery McPherson also competed in National Programs in Action, earning a silver rating for organizing a food drive that collected over 400 non-perishable items for the Lawson Food Pantry.
Haley McCrary competed in Repurpose and Redesign, creating a diaper bag from blue jeans and donating it to Bridge of Hope for young mothers. She earned a gold rating and placed in the top five on stage during the STAR Events Ceremony.
Lawson High School Achievements
The Lawson High School FCCLA chapter received three awards for membership growth: the Show-Me 5 Award, Give Me 10 Award, and Shoot for 30 Award. Several students also excelled in their STAR Events:
Kadance James and Allison Hochwender competed in Chapter Service Project Display, earning a top gold rating with an outstanding 99/100 score. Their project—a coin drive raising over $1,500 for Midland Ministries Campground—qualified them for Nationals in Orlando this July.
Bailey Payne competed in National Programs in Action, earning a silver rating and placing in the top five.
Allison Koeberl, Becca Lafferty, and Benjamin Mayne competed in Event Management, earning a silver rating for organizing a Craft Fair that raised over $350 for Henson’s Heroes, benefiting hospitalized children.
Adi Enyeart, Emily Whitworth, and Teddy Thomas competed in Professional Presentation, earning a bronze rating for their educational talk on the dangers of vaping to 7th graders.
Caitlyn Cline and Ella Ripley competed in Chapter Service Project Display, earning a silver rating for hosting a Hygiene Drive, collecting 377 items for Foster Adopt Connect.
Special Thanks
This successful trip wouldn’t have been possible without the support of many individuals:
Mrs. Mayne and Mrs. Ripley for driving and judging.
Mr. and Mrs. Koeberl for chaperoning.
Lily Ripley and Eliza Mayne for serving as voting delegates.
The Lawson Alumni Association for generously purchasing official red blazers for middle school members, ensuring a professional image for years to come.
Beyond competitions, students attended workshops on leadership development, community service, career preparation, and healthy living. They also explored exhibits from Missouri colleges, universities, and vendors.
FCCLA is unique among student organizations as its events—like the State Leadership Conference—are student-planned and led. This hands-on leadership experience helps members develop essential life skills, including planning, goal setting, problem-solving, decision-making, and interpersonal communication—valuable assets for both the workplace and everyday life.
Congratulations to all Lawson FCCLA members on their incredible achievements!