The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter at F.E. DuBose Career Center is celebrating another successful year of student achievement, state awards, and leadership growth.
FCCLA plays a vital role in the classroom curriculum, helping students enhance employability and career skills through hands-on demonstrations and real-world experiences in Career and Technical Education. The organization also provides students opportunities to take on leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels, while networking with peers and industry partners through leadership development conferences.
"Our chapter has a legacy of excellence, winning national awards for over 30 years, and we are proud to continue this tradition under the leadership and guidance of our advisor, Chef Jean Shaw," said Mrs. Stephanie Bradley, incoming FCCLA advisor.
Students showcased their talents this year in two major statewide competitions. In February, members competed at Trident Technical College’s Culinary Institute of Charleston in the Baking and Pastry event. In March, they participated in Career Investigation and Nutrition and Wellness competitions at the Charleston Convention Center, where each member earned a State Award for their outstanding performances.
Culinary Arts winners present at the recent recognition meeting proudly announced their achievements:
Christopher Keels, Manning High School – Nutrition and Wellness, 1st Place
Tony Fordham, Manning High School – Culinary Arts, 3rd Place
Additional Culinary Arts State Winners who were unable to attend include:
Miracle Williams, Scott’s Branch High School – Career Investigation, 1st Place
Azareiaya Monroe, East Clarendon High School – Baking and Pastry, 2nd Place
Madison Cantley, East Clarendon High School – Baking and Pastry, 3rd Place
Destiny Lesane, Manning High School – Culinary Arts, 3rd Place
Bradley, who teaches in the Education and Training program, also celebrated her students’ accomplishments at the state level:
Mackenzie Miles, East Clarendon High School – Teach or Train, 2nd Place
Kalayah Ragin, Scott’s Branch High School – Teaching Strategies, 2nd Place
Looking ahead, Christopher Keels and Miracle Williams will represent South Carolina and the F.E. DuBose Career Center FCCLA chapter at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, July 5–10. The team is aiming to bring home Gold Medals, continuing the chapter’s proud tradition of national honors.
Chef Jean Shaw, who has guided the chapter for many years, will be passing the torch to Mrs. Stephanie Bradley beginning with the 2025–2026 school year.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Keisa N. Carr
Interim Director, F.E. DuBose Career Center
Director of Communications & Community Relations, Clarendon County School District
Phone: 803-473-2531
Editor’s Note: This version of the article includes updates received after The Manning Times print deadline. Some names, school affiliations, and award details were corrected or added for clarity. The print edition may differ slightly from the online version due to these post-deadline additions.
