SC Students Win Silver at National Leadership Conference

When Serafina Koroma stepped onto the national stage in Washington, D.C., she was one of 9,000 young leaders ready to prove what South Carolina students could do. She and her teammates from Irmo High School walked away with two silver medals.

The students competed at the 2026 Family, Career and Community Leaders of America National Leadership Conference from July 6-11. More than 5,500 participants from across the country competed in over 30 different categories testing their skills in real world projects.

Irmo High's team earned silver medals in two separate competitions. Asiyah Carter, Gabrielle Harris, and Makenzie Harris won for their "Chapter in Review" portfolio, while Koroma took silver in the "Teach & Train" category.

The weeklong conference pushed students through intense workshops on employability, college planning, and leadership development. These weren't abstract lessons but practical skills they could take straight back to their communities.

For Koroma, who served as chapter president this past year, the experience changed how she sees her future. "Being part of FCCLA has been life-changing," she said. "Improving my communication skills and participating in community service activities has helped prepare me for college and my future career."

Robert Lawrence, another Irmo High student, took on an even bigger role. He served as a state officer for South Carolina's FCCLA and worked as vice president of competitive events at the national conference. "I am truly appreciative of the district's support as I serve as a state officer this year," Lawrence said.

The Ripple Effect

These students aren't just collecting medals for their trophy cases. The STAR events at the conference challenged them to apply their knowledge through projects that create positive change in their communities. Every skill they learned in Washington becomes a tool they can use to help others back home.

When schools invest in leadership programs like FCCLA, students learn to communicate better, plan more effectively, and serve their communities with purpose. Those skills don't disappear after graduation. They spread through families, workplaces, and neighborhoods for years to come.

South Carolina's young leaders just proved they can compete with the best in the nation and come home winners.