Four Smithfield High School students attended and competed at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America National Leadership Conference July 5-9 in Washington, D.C.

There were more than 7,700 participants from across the United States. The conference provided opportunities for students and advisers to come together for fun and to listen to inspiring speakers, as well as to expand leadership skills, sharpen talents and explore career pathways.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Together We Are Healthy” and attendees were challenged to explore the fitness of body, mind and spirit that is a product of healthy attitudes and habits, and to pursue this whole health through the conference’s great learning and networking opportunities.

More than 4,000 students took part in more than 30 competitive “Students Taking Action with Recognition” events.

Katie Webb received a Gold Medal in Job Interview, with a portfolio including a resume, job application, evidence of skills and a mock interview. Katie is the daughter of Thomas and Kellie Webb of Carrollton.

The team of Tiffany West and Abby Rossiter won silver in Senior Life Event Planning. Their project focused on researching and planning a trip to Europe on a budget. Tiffany is the daughter of Robert and Agnes West; Abby is the daughter of Robert and Mary Rossiter, all of Carrollton.

Heather Kennedy won silver in Junior Life Event Planning. Her project involved researching and planning a trip to New York City. Heather is the daughter of Robert and Joyce Kennedy of Smithfield.

A highlight of the conference was a youth rally held on Capitol Hill for the purpose of celebrating the organization’s 70th anniversary and for advocating for strong Family and Consumer Sciences education in schools. Themed “70 Years Strong,” the event drew more than 3,000 FCCLA members and bathed the Capitol grounds in a sea of FCCLA red. After the rally, members moved into the Capitol to personally meet with their Congressional representatives to share their stories of how their Family and Consumer Sciences education has impacted them.

The club sponsors were Gretchen Quant and Sandra Kiah. Chaperone for the trip was Joyce Kennedy.