HERMANN — Nine students from the Gasconade County R-1 School District represented Hermann High School at the 2026 Missouri Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference held March 15-17 in Springfield.

The annual conference, hosted at University Plaza and the Expo Center, brought together 1,778 student delegates representing more than 9,577 FCCLA members from across Missouri. Students attending from Hermann High School included Grace Engemann, Josie Neill, DeLaney Williams, Taylor Lauer, Layla Frost, Elliot Geers, Marissa Parr, Lizzie Cook and Milo Lammert. They were accompanied by FCCLA adviser Lana Koelling and chaperone Lindsey Engemann who volunteered her time to assist with transportation and supervision.

More than 1,200 students competed in over 107 STAR Events (Students Taking Action with Recognition) and Show-Me Skill events during the conference. Hermann students earned the following honors:

• Elliot Geers, first place, Food Innovations (National Leadership Conference qualifier).

• Taylor Lauer — first place, Career Investigation (National Leadership Conference qualifier). Lauer was also a Show-Me State Degree recipient and was recognized as a Power of One (5-Unit) Completer.

• Grace Engemann, second place, Baking and Pastry (National Leadership Conference qualifier).

• DeLaney Williams, Silver Medal, Chapter Service Project.

• Lizzie Cook and Milo Lammert, third place, Chapter in Review.

Additional chapter and individual recognitions included:

• first place, Families First National Program, “Mindful Mealtime.”

• third place. Student Body National Program, “Who Stole the Christmas Spirit?”

The 2026 conference theme, “Red Carpet Ready,” highlighted student leadership and achievement. The event opened with a general session featuring recognition of outstanding members and a keynote address by Bryan Rush, who encouraged students as they prepared for life beyond high school. In addition to competition, students participated in leadership workshops focused on community service, career readiness and healthy living. The conference also featured exhibits from colleges, universities and businesses across the state.

Neill served as the chapter’s voting delegate, participating in the election of the 2026–27 Missouri FCCLA State Executive Council and voting on proposed bylaw revisions. Members also contributed to the state outreach project benefiting Care to Learn.

The Hermann FCCLA chapter also recognized Neill, Parr and Frost for volunteering during the conference, demonstrating leadership and service by supporting fellow participants. Veronica Sartin of the Springfield area and Hermann’s advisor, Koelling, served as room consultants and evaluators. Their efforts helped ensure fair and meaningful competitive events for students statewide.

FCCLA is a student-led organization that promotes leadership development through family and consumer sciences education. Through participation in conferences and competitive events, students gain valuable skills in communication, goal setting, problem solving and decision-making that prepare them for future success.