VIRGINIA BEACH— Terri Fincham, Lois Foreman, and Chad McKnight, of Culpeper, Virginia, were honored with the Distinguished Service Award by the Virginia Association of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) during the annual State Leadership and Recognition Conference (SLRC) at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional support to Family, Career and Community Leaders of America at the local, state, and national levels. Collectively, the Culpeper County Public Schools chapters from all five secondary schools nominated Terri Fincham, Lois Foreman, and Chad McKnight for this award in recognition of their dedication and service to the organization.
As bus drivers for the county, Terri Fincham and Lois Foreman accompanied the five schools to Virginia Beach last year for the annual State Conference. Throughout the weekend, both demonstrated professionalism and care, ensuring the group arrived safely and on time to each event. Even when faced with a situation that posed potential safety concerns, they remained cal m and prioritized the well-being of the students in their care.
Chad McKnight was nominated for his ongoing commitment to student safety across CCPS, regardless of location. Over the past three years, he has accompanied the group to both state and national conferences, helping to ensure safety, build positive relationships with students, and maintain a supportive and energetic presence throughout each trip.
Culpeper County Public Schools is fortunate to have these three outstanding individuals supporting its FCCLA chapters. We were proud to celebrate these individuals and recognize them for the support they have provided our chapters
In addition, Adam Pawlowski, Assistant Principal of Culpeper Middle School, Culpeper, Virginia, was presented with the School Administrator Award by the Virginia Association of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) during the annual State Leadership and Recognition Conference (SLRC) at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
The School Administrator Award honors school administrators who have demonstrated exceptional support for FCCLA at the local, state, and national levels. Family and Consumer Science teachers Leigh Powell and Tanya Melanson nominated Mr. Pawlowski for this prestigious award in recognition of their commitment to the organization. Mr. Pawlowski has shown strong dedication to FCCLA on all levels and continually advocates for student leadership and engagement.
Mr. Pawlowski fully supports the mission and goals of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, as well as Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education. Through their leadership and encouragement, students are able to access the many opportunities FCCLA provides. Mr. Pawlowski actively promotes student participation by encouraging all students to enroll in Family and Consumer Sciences education courses and become involved in FCCLA.
FCCLA is a dynamic national student organization that empowers middle and high school students to become leaders while addressing important family, career, and community issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. With more than 200,000 members nationwide, FCCLA has positively impacted over 10 million young people since its founding in 1945.
FCCLA is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and led by student members. It is the only national in-school organization with the family as its central focus. Participation in chapter activities and state and national programs helps members develop the skills needed to become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.
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