FAIRVIEW, Ala. – Students from Fairview High School attended FCCLA’s Capitol Leadership in Washington, D.C., held Nov. 15-19, 2025. The five-day event brought together youth leaders from across the country for immersive training in advocacy, civic engagement and leadership development.
Attending on behalf of the chapter were Faith Freeman, 10th grade, chapter officer – vice president of STAR EVENTS; Lola Kate Haynes, ninth grade, chapter officer – vice president of community service; and Whitney Haynes, adviser.
At Capitol Leadership, students gained experience in advocacy and government relations, exploring how federal policies impact Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Education and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Funding; strategic planning, developing goals related to increasing student and community involvement and professionalism and communication, through hands-on activities such as leadership training and career panels. They also met with legislators, advocating for CTE and Carl Perkins Federal funding with their elected officials, including Sen. Katie Britt, R-Alabama; Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama; staff of Rep. Barry Moore, R-Alabama; and staff of Rep. Terry Sewell, D-Alabama.
“This experience helped me become more confident in my ability to lead and speak up for what I care about. I’m so grateful to be part of an organization that allows me so many opportunities to truly grow and to be part of something bigger than myself,” said Freeman. “I now understand how advocacy can create real change in our schools and communities.”
In addition to their advocacy efforts, the students visited national landmarks such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Library of Congress. They connected with peers from 40-plus states and exchanged ideas on community service and promotion of CTE programs. The students plan to bring change back to the community of Fairview through chapter leadership and promotion of chapter projects and activities.
