This past week, students from across Florida gathered in Orlando for the 2026 FCCLA State Leadership Conference, and one of our own made us incredibly proud.

After placing first in our district culinary arts competition, Austin Jones, a student at our Tampa campus advanced to the state level, where he earned a silver medal and finished top five in the state—an outstanding achievement in a highly competitive field.

 Austin’s success didn’t happen overnight. Over the last several years, he has consistently challenged himself by competing in state‑level FCCLA proficiency events, building both technical skills and confidence along the way. As a senior, Austin took an exciting next step by entering a national qualifier competition for the first time, pushing himself beyond his comfort zone and rising to the moment.

  Competitions like FCCLA offer so much more than medals—they help students grow as leaders, problem‑solvers, and confident young adults. Thanks to the continued support and encouragement of our program and our students, opportunities like this are not only financially possible but truly life‑changing. That support empowers students like Austin to believe in themselves, take risks, and discover what they’re capable of achieving.

We are incredibly proud of Austin for his hard work, dedication, and willingness to go all in during his senior year. Congratulations on this well‑deserved silver medal and an amazing FCCLA journey!