Independence Middle School’s FCCLA Chapter succeeded at the 2024-2025 Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference, earning multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals in STAR Event categories. Their achievements have secured them a spot on the STAR Events National Team, where they will represent Bethel Park at the national competition in Orlando, Florida, from July 5-9.
Emma Clouston and Adrienne Hofbauer were gold medalists in the Nutrition and Wellness category, as were Caitlin Foote and Macey Webster in the Focus on Children category. Eleanor Dolman, Ella Coley, and Audrey Francis were silver medal winners in Entrepreneurship, along with Morgan Fauth, Grace Mattila, and Brooklyn Nagel in Sports and Nutrition. Bronze medalists included Amelia Girasek and Abigail Ricciuti in Event Management, Shreya Mainali and Sadie Oelschlager in Chapter Service Project, and Riley Opferman in Food Innovations.
In addition to their competitive success, Clouston, Hofbauer, and Fauth participated in the conference’s Banner Ceremony, while Nagel received the Power of One Award. Ricciuti was also recognized as Member of the Year.
The students’ dedication and collaboration demonstrated their commitment to leadership, service, and excellence. As they prepare for the national competition, the Bethel Park community celebrates their hard work and wishes them success in Orlando.