News

Wando High School FCCLA chapter (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) recently attended the 2026 FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., from July 4th through July 10th. 

FCCLA is a national Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for students in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education. FCCLA offers intracurricular resources and opportunities for students to pursue careers that support families.

In addition to competing in STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) events, chapter members enjoyed time in our nation's capital exploring museums, witnessing the 40-minute-long 4th of July fireworks display, touring the Capitol with Nancy Mace's office, and visiting the national monuments. 

Students represented Wando High School, Charleston County School District, and South Carolina with professionalism, skill, and determination as they competed against the best FCCLA members from across the nation, bringing home impressive accolades.

“I am extremely proud of everything our students accomplished this year and grateful for the continued support of the faculty and staff of Wando High School and Charleston County School District,” added Gordon. “These successes would not be possible without the encouragement of our administration, faculty, parents, community partners, and everyone who believes in the opportunities FCCLA provides for our students.

Student National Results

Honesty Muccio – 2nd Place in the Nation in Pastry Arts Technical Skills Demonstration 

Rieley Reynolds – Silver Medal in Culinary Arts

Jacob Miller – 7th Place in the Nation Gold Medal in Career Investigation

Lana O'Donnell – Gold Medal in Job Interview

Alivia Allen, Matviy Zlati, and Sophia Mazzi – 7th Place in the Nation Gold Medal in Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation

“These outstanding achievements are a testament to the countless hours of preparation, dedication, and perseverance our students invested throughout the year,” said Molly Gordon, the chapter’s advisor. “They represented Wando with excellence and demonstrated the highest level of talent and professionalism that our Culinary Arts program strives to develop.”

Additionally, during the conference, Gordon was selected as the 2026 National FCCLA Adviser of the Year, the highest individual honor presented to an FCCLA adviser. Sponsored by the U.S. Army, this award recognizes one adviser from more than 7,500 FCCLA chapter advisers nationwide for outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to students and the FCCLA organization. 

Gordon was recognized during the National Leadership Conference's general session as one of the top 5 finalists, and was humbled to receive the prestigious overall award along with a $3,000 cash award from the U.S. Army. No educator from South Carolina has ever received this award, and to date, she is the youngest adviser to receive the honor. 

Selected from more than 7,500 FCCLA Chapter Advisers nationwide, Gordon received FCCLA’s highest national honor for a chapter adviser during the 2026 FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The FCCLA Adviser of the Year Award is sponsored by the U.S. Army and recognizes outstanding chapter advisers whose leadership has made a significant impact at the local, state, and national levels. Gordon was selected from five national finalists following a comprehensive evaluation process focused on leadership, measurable impact, classroom integration, chapter growth, innovation, advocacy, and long-term sustainability.

Gordon has served as an FCCLA Adviser for five years and has developed a chapter model that connects Culinary Arts instruction with leadership development, career preparation, Competitive Events, community service, and real-world learning. Under her guidance, students established and now operate the Warriors United Food Pantry in partnership with the Lowcountry Food Bank. Students manage inventory, marketing, donation drives, scheduling, and distribution while responding to food insecurity within the school community.

Through the initiative, students have distributed more than 1,500 pounds of food, prepared and delivered 15 Thanksgiving meal boxes, and provided meals for families staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities. 

Additionally, Gordon has also integrated FCCLA Competitive Events and National Programs into daily classroom instruction. 

Her students have achieved a 95% gold-medal rate at the state level. Gordon also mentored a neighboring high school that had not previously participated in FCCLA Competitive Events. With her guidance, the school competed for the first time, earned first place in Culinary Arts, and advanced its first student competitor to the FCCLA National Leadership Conference. 

With Culinary Arts serving as the only Family and Consumer Sciences program at Wando High School, Gordon has maintained 100% FCCLA affiliation among eligible students for the past two years. She has created a chapter culture where students take responsibility for leading meetings, service projects, fundraising efforts, recruitment activities, and Competitive Events preparation. One of Gordon’s most successful innovations is a Chapter Engagement Point System, which connects conference participation with active involvement in chapter meetings, community service, fundraising, and Competitive Events. Following implementation, meeting attendance and service involvement increased, and every student attending the State Leadership Conference met or exceeded the chapter’s participation requirement. The system has helped move students from passive participation to active ownership of the chapter’s success. 

Gordon has also worked to reduce financial barriers that can prevent students from participating in FCCLA opportunities. Through an annual student-led fundraising dinner, partnerships with local businesses, and advocacy for district-level financial support, students attended the 2025 State and National Leadership Conferences without out-of-pocket expenses. To strengthen the chapter beyond a single school year, she established a rolling officer transition process that allows newly elected leaders to shadow outgoing officers and created an alumni mentorship network that connects current students with former FCCLA Members who provide career insight, Competitive Events guidance, and sponsorship support.

Gordon’s leadership extends throughout South Carolina FCCLA. She advises the South Carolina FCCLA State Executive Council, mentors state officer teams, supports State Leadership Conference planning, and assists with statewide Competitive Events. She has also helped establish partnerships with Trident Technical College and culinary industry organizations to expand competition resources and student recognition.