Redwater graduate Anna Fryar wins second FCCLA national championship

REDWATER, Texas — Recent Redwater High School graduate Anna Fryar earned first place in the nation in the Early Childhood Education STAR Event at the 2026 Family, Career and Community Leaders of America National Leadership Conference.

The victory is Fryar’s second FCCLA national championship during her high school career. She competed in the Level 3 division after advancing through regional and state contests.

The national competition, held July 6-10 in Washington, D.C., challenged students to demonstrate their knowledge of child development by designing and presenting age-appropriate learning experiences. Participants were also evaluated on their ability to teach and engage young children.

“Winning this national title means so much to me,” Fryar said. “I spent the past year perfecting this project, and seeing that hard work pay off is highly rewarding.”

Fryar developed classroom experience through Redwater High School’s Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Training program. During her senior capstone course, she worked with second-grade teacher Kristen Bryan at Redwater Elementary School, where she observed instruction, developed and taught lessons and assembled a professional teaching portfolio.

At the national conference, Fryar presented that portfolio and completed an impromptu classroom scenario. She had 20 minutes to prepare a developmentally appropriate lesson using materials from her teacher toolbox before presenting it to a panel of judges.

“Anna’s second national championship is the result of four years of dedication, perseverance, and a genuine passion for teaching,” Redwater High School FCCLA adviser Jessica Davis said. “It has been amazing to watch her confidence, leadership, and teaching abilities grow throughout her high school career. We couldn’t be more proud of everything she has accomplished.”

Fryar plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University this fall and major in communication sciences and disorders.

The Redwater High School FCCLA chapter joined more than 10,000 FCCLA members, advisers and guests from across the United States, Puerto Rico and American Samoa at the conference. The event included competitive events, leadership development, career exploration, educational workshops and national recognition.

The 2026 conference was held in Washington during the America 250 celebrations.

“Hosting the 2026 National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., during the America 250 celebrations created a powerful and historic opportunity for FCCLA members,” FCCLA CEO Sandy Spavone said. “These students are building the skills, confidence, and connections to make an impact in their schools, careers, families, communities, and country right now.”

FCCLA is a national career and technical student organization that prepares students for careers supporting families through Family and Consumer Sciences education. The organization reports more than 250,000 members in over 5,500 chapters nationwide.

For more information about the Redwater High School FCCLA chapter, contact Jessica Davis at [email protected].