Jackson River Technical Center senior Marissa Nicely displays the silver medal she earned in the Culinary Arts Competition at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. Nicely, a third-year Culinary Arts student, placed second at the Virginia FCCLA State Leadership Conference to qualify for the national competition. (AHPS Photo)

JRTC Senior Serves Up Silver at National Competition   Low Moor, VA (Aug. 13, 2026) - Jackson River Technical Center student Marissa Nicely earned national recognition after receiving a silver medal in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference Culinary Arts Competition. Marissa, a senior and third-year student in Jackson River Technical Center’s Culinary Arts program, qualified for July’s national competition in Washington, D.C., after placing second in the culinary competition at the Virginia FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Virginia Beach in April. The top three competitors from each state advanced to compete at the national level. During the state competition, students were challenged to prepare a complete meal within one hour. Marissa prepared pork scaloppini, rice pilaf, and a mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, demonstrating her culinary knowledge, preparation skills, and ability to work under pressure. Her performance earned her the opportunity to compete against top culinary students from across the country. At the FCCLA National Leadership Conference, Marissa competed in the Culinary Arts Competition and earned a silver medal. As part of the national competition, she prepared a steak entrĂ©e featuring a ribeye steak with mushroom sauce, showcasing the skills she has developed through JRTC’s Culinary Arts program. Beyond the competition, Marissa took part in leadership workshops, listened to motivational speakers, attended an event at Capitol Hill in support of career and technical education, and participated in activities designed to help students develop leadership skills and explore career opportunities. Reflecting on the experience, Marissa said, “I had the opportunity to participate in the FCCLA National Culinary Arts competition this summer in Washington DC. This amazing event provided me with real-world skills and experiences that will help me in my future career preparation.” “I also had the chance to meet and build relationships with other students from all over the United States, plus a new friend from Japan. I also passed the Skills USA written and practical exams and earned my Certified Fundamentals Cook Certificate from the American Culinary Federation. I am beyond thankful for the FCCLA and Chef Robert Fehle for the encouragement and knowledge that have been given to me in the world of culinary education,” she added. Marissa’s experience reflects the opportunities available to students through FCCLA and JRTC’s Culinary Arts program. Fehle, Jackson River Technical Center’s Culinary Arts instructor, has helped Marissa develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in culinary competitions. Through FCCLA, students have opportunities to build leadership skills, explore career pathways, and showcase their abilities through competitive events. “Marissa put in a lot of time and effort to prepare for this competition. She has worked hard, stayed focused, and continued to improve her skills. I am very proud of her and the way she represented Jackson River Technical Center,” said Fehle. Marissa’s achievements are the result of her dedication and the support of those who helped make her national competition experience possible. “We are so proud of Marissa and all she has accomplished. We are also incredibly proud of Chef Rob and the commitment he made to help make this experience possible for her. He dedicated countless hours to fundraising, planning, and organizing logistics to ensure Marissa had the opportunity to compete at the national level,” said JRTC Principal Josh Craft. The accomplishment also highlights the value of Career and Technical Education opportunities available through Jackson River Technical Center. Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Superintendent Kim Halterman emphasized the importance of providing students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for their futures. “Through hands-on instruction and real-world experiences, our CTE programs prepare students for success by helping them develop skills, leadership abilities, and the confidence needed for future careers and continued learning,” Halterman said. Individuals and organizations interested in supporting CTE programs and providing students with opportunities to compete, learn, and grow are encouraged to contact the school division.

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