Two Lehigh Career & Technical Institute students took top honors recently in California at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America National Leadership Conference.

Gabrielle Howorth, a student at Emmaus High School in LCTI’s culinary arts program, earned a gold medal in food innovations. Howorth’s was one of 37 entries in the event and had to score 90 or better to win gold.

Yohanna Arias Rodriguez, a William Allen High School student in LCTI’s commercial baking program, earned a gold medal in illustrated talk. Arias Rodriguez was one of 35 entries in the event and had to score 90 or better to win gold.

Howorth and Arias Rodriguez were among 4,700 competitors gathered recently in Anaheim to participate in Students Taking Action with Recognition, or STAR, events at the annual conference. They qualified for nationals by winning silver medals in the spring at the Pennsylvania FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Silver Springs, Md.

STAR events recognize FCCLA members for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills and career preparation. The events are designed to support student development of knowledge and skills by enhancing the classroom experience and complementing career pathway initiatives.

LCTI’s FCCLA advisers, commercial baking teacher Jan Lucas and early care and education of young children teacher Jennifer Jones, said Howorth and Arias Rodriguez’s hard work and dedication led to strong performances under pressure.

“Our categories are some of the hardest and most competitive, so we’re really proud of the result from our first-time national leadership conference attendees,” Jones said.

More than 8,700 people gathered for the conference, which along with competitive events, featured leadership training, nationally recognized speakers, networking and opportunities to explore colleges and careers.

FCCLA is a national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education.

FCCLA has over 175,000 members and more than 5,300 chapters from 50 state associations, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.