Thomas Hunter Middle School students represented Mathews County and won numerous awards at the Virginia Association Family, Career and Community Leaders of America State Leadership and Recognition Conference on April 4-6 in Virginia Beach.

Local FCCLA advisor Michelle Williams led the group of 17 students, school SRO Sgt. Julianna Hill of the Mathews County Sheriff’s Office and two parent chaperones to the weekend conference.

A dozen students entered six different competitions and five were STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) attendees and volunteers. The weekend was filled with competitions, special guest speakers, games, a trip to the Virginia Beach Aquarium, and a formal banquet and gala.

Natalie Davis won a gold medal for her community service portfolio project for Weighted Angels. Autumn Segalini earned a gold medal in fashion construction. Abigail Henry and Allean Rowe earned a silver medal for their community service project, Sensory Support Backpacks. Leeah Taylor, Ariel Forrest and Emily Hernandez earned silver for their community service project display for Everyone Bring One, Feed Many: Breakfast Bags for the Homeless and Those in Need.

Isabella Newcomb and Brijido Fraire earned a bronze medal for their National Programs in Action project: Mathews C.A.R.E.S. Traffic Safety Project and Eloise Leslie, Gracie Hellebrandt and Jordan West earned a bronze medal for their National Programs in Actions project, Five Penguins with Pennies: Financial Fitness project.

In addition, Luke Linaweaver was awarded the “Spirit of FCCLA” Award for exemplifying the goals and purposes of FCCLA.

Williams said she would like to thank “all of the generous community members who helped finance this wonderful experience” and she is planning to being fundraising in order to attend the FCCLA National Leadership Conference that takes place in July.