Content Provided by Chef Molly Gordon | Culinary Arts Instructor & FCCLA Adviser | 2026 National FCCLA Adviser of The Year 

Wando High School’s FCCLA chapter excels, once again, at this year 2026 FCCLA National Leadership Conference held in Washington, D.C.

Our students represented Wando High School, Charleston County School District, and South Carolina with professionalism, skill, and determination while competing against the best FCCLA members from across the nation.

Student National Results: 

Honesty Muccio – 2nd Place in the Nation in Pastry Arts Technical Skills Demonstration 
Rieley Reynolds – Silver Medal in Culinary Arts
Jacob Miller – 7th Place in the Nation Gold Medal in Career Investigation
Lana O’Donnell – Gold Medal in Job Interview
Alivia Allen, Matviy Zlati, and Sophia Mazzi – 7th Place in the Nation Gold Medal in Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation

These outstanding achievements are a testament to the countless hours of preparation, dedication, and perseverance our students invested throughout the year. They represented Wando with excellence and demonstrated the highest level of talent and professionalism that our Culinary Arts program strives to develop.

A HUGE congratulations to Chef Molly Gordon, Wando’s Culinary Arts Instructor & FCCLA Advisor. Chef Gordon was selected as the 2026 National FCCLA Advisor of the year, the highest individual honor presented to an FCCCLA advisor.

Sponsored by the U.S. Army, this award recognizes one adviser from more than 7,500 FCCLA chapter advisers nationwide for outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to students and The FCCLA organization. Chef Gordon was recognized during the National Leadership Conference’s general session as one of the top 5 finalists.

No educator from South Carolina has ever received this award, and to date Chef Gordon is the youngest adviser to receive the honor.

Congratulations students and Chef Gordon, 2026 National FCCLA Adviser of The Year, for all of your accomplishments. We are extremely proud of you!

Bonus: In addition to becoming winners the FCCLA team had the opportunity to explore our nation’s capital, museums and took part in the 250th 4th of July celebration. They also were able to tour the capitol with Nacy Mace’s Office and visited national monuments.