Rome High School students brought home two top 10 national finishes and five medals while competing against the nation's best at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference, held July 6-11 in Washington, D.C.
The outstanding performance showcased the talent and dedication of Rome High School's Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) students as they represented Georgia on the national stage.
Leading the way were Alexa Acevedo and Samantha Acevedo, who earned a sixth-place finish and a gold medal in the Repurpose and Redesign event. Leslie Vicente-Ramos and Kevin Lam also finished among the nation's top competitors, placing ninth and earning a gold medal in the Instructional Video Design event.
Additional national medalists included:
Brandy Ulloa-Ruvalcaba – Gold Medal, Career Investigation
Yesica Saquic-Cux and Liliana Larios-Coxaj – Bronze Medal, Public Policy Advocate
Joshua Eaves – Bronze Medal, Challenge Test – Nutrition and Wellness
"Our students continue to prove they can compete with anyone in the country," Rome High School Principal Dr. Christy Epps said. "Watching them earn national recognition is a testament to the hard work they've invested and the incredible support they receive from our teachers and advisers. We couldn't be more proud of how they represented Rome High School."
Marores Perry, CEO of the Rome College and Career Academy and Director of CTAE, said the students' success reflects the strength of the district's career pathway programs.
"These accomplishments demonstrate exactly what career and technical education is all about," Perry said. "Our students are applying what they've learned in the classroom to solve real-world problems, think creatively and perform at the highest level. To have multiple students earn top 10 finishes and national medals speaks volumes about their dedication and the outstanding work of our FCCLA advisers."
Rome High School also recognized the dedication of FCCLA advisers Mrs. Tammi Price, Chef Jordan Evans and Chef Dorota Rzucidło, whose leadership and countless hours of preparation helped students achieve success at the national level.
"Our students continue to move the needle through their commitment to excellence, leadership and service," Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland said. "Their success at the national level reflects not only their dedication but also the incredible work of our CTAE teachers and advisers who invest in them every day. We are proud to see Rome City Schools represented so well on the national stage."
The FCCLA National Leadership Conference brings together thousands of students from across the country to compete in leadership and career-focused events while showcasing the knowledge and skills they've developed through Family and Consumer Sciences education.