Newark Vocational High School Students and Staff Make History at the 2025 NJ FCCLA State Leadership Conference

CHERRY HILL, N.J. – Newark Vocational High School (NVHS) students and staff performed spectacularly at the 2025 N.J. FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) State Leadership Conference, earning gold, silver, and bronze medals in a variety of events as well as a historic distinction for the school’s FCCLA chapter. 

“I am incredibly proud of our students and staff at Newark Vocational High School for their outstanding performance at the 2025 FCCLA State Leadership Conference,” said Superintendent León. “Their success is a powerful reflection of the talent, determination, and excellence that defines Newark Public Schools. From culinary creativity to sustainability and entrepreneurship, our students continue to lead with innovation and heart. This historic moment reminds us of what’s possible when we believe in our students and invest in their future.”

At the annual two-day conference that gives students the chance to showcase their innovation and leadership skills through different competitions, NVHS students scored 10 wins as medalists. The winners were as follows:

Gold Medalists

Ayanna Parker and Eric Naranjo, both ninth graders, in the Clever Cookie category. This new category challenged student bakers to create new cookie creations. 

Adrianne Orellana and Victoria Andrade, both 11th graders, in the Sustainability category. The students’ project focused on ways to curb waste and overconsumption in the clothing industry, and qualified for the FCCLA National Conference in Orlando, Florida in July. 

Chris Ignacio and David Otanez, both 11th graders, in the Event Management category.

Silver Medalists

Aniyah Sharpe, 12th grade, in the Culinary Arts category

Amaya Little, Leilani LaCaille, and Victoria Kabazimya, all 11th graders, in the Entrepreneurship category

Beatriz Schwambach, Anna Carvalho, and Ester Neto, all 11th graders, in the Entrepreneurship category

Rebecca Ozias and Janiyah Torres, both 12th graders, in the Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation category

Bronze Medalists

Saniah Hernandez, 11th grade, in the Culinary Arts category

Luis Maldonado, 12th grade, in the Culinary Arts category

Arianna Sin, 11th grade; Edison Naranjo, 12th grade, Manuel Ortiz, 11th grade in the Sports Nutrition category

“The achievements of Newark Vocational High School at this year’s FCCLA State Leadership Conference are outstanding,” said Board President Hasani K. Council. “These wins represent not only the hard work of our students but also the constant support and commitment of their teachers and advisers.”

In addition to the competition victories, five NVHS students completed FCCLA’s Power of One program. This national, five-unit program is designed to help members develop personal goals and leadership skills. The students who completed the program were:

• Chris Ignacio, 11th grade 
• Victoria Kabazimya, 11th grade
• Luis Maldonado, 12th grade
• David Otanez, 11th grade
• Beatriz Schwambach, 11th grade

These five students will be recognized at the FCCLA National Conference in July.  

Not all of the conference’s honors were awarded to students. Joshlyn Adams, a hospitality and tour management teacher, was awarded the FCCLA Enthusiast Award recipient for her years of dedication, service, and outstanding commitment as a chapter adviser.

Finally, the NVHS FCCLA Chapter won distinction as Newark Public Schools’ first chapter to earn the organization’s Red Rose Chapter award. This award recognizes NVHS’ FCCLA Chapters as a well-rounded chapter that contributes to the state program of work by taking part in member development, community service, conferences, leadership activities, national programs, and competitive events.

“Our students stepped up, performed with excellence, and represented Newark Vocational High School with pride,” said Principal Karisa Neis-Lopez. “I couldn’t be prouder of the way they embraced this opportunity to showcase their skills and leadership. These achievements reflect the strength of our career and technical education programs, the dedication of our staff, and the limitless potential of our students. This is a proud moment for our entire school community.”