The College of Education is proud to celebrate two outstanding students who earned top honors at the National Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Conference, a premier student organization that prepares young people for careers in family and consumer sciences and related fields.

• Lisa Kruger placed 1st in the nation in the Professional Presentation competition.
• Emma Thom earned 2nd in the nation in Culinary Arts.

These achievements highlight the talent, preparation, and dedication of Missouri State students in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS).

Showcasing Skills on the National Stage

The Professional Presentation competition required Lisa to prepare a 10-minute oral presentation, supported by visuals, on a current FCS topic. She chose to focus on drug abuse in foster care and the role future educators can play in supporting children in these situations.

“8.7 million children in the U.S. live in a home where drugs are present, which means we are more than likely coming into contact with many of those kids in our daily lives,” Lisa explained. “Some solutions to this would be advocacy, to let people in your community know that there is an issue. For adults, becoming a foster parent or respite care provider would help alleviate the shortage of foster families. Without foster care, I wouldn’t have my two youngest siblings — and through this project, my goal was to show the good impact foster care can have on a child.”

Judges were struck by both the scope of the problem and Lisa’s personal connection to the issue. She noted that competing this year felt especially meaningful:

“I’ve been to nationals several times before, but this time I had more confidence. I was soaking in everything I could so that, in the future, I can help my own students feel confident and ready to compete.”

In the Culinary Arts competition, Emma prepared a full menu: Tossed Greek Salad, Green Bean Almandine, Orzo Pilaf, and Chicken Piccata. She impressed judges not only with the flavor and presentation of her dishes, but also with her precision and professionalism in the kitchen.

“I scored very high in the safety, sanitation, and clean-up section,” Emma shared. “They gave me good scores on my equipment usage, mise en place, and use of product. They also gave me good scores on the techniques I used when I actually cooked the food.”

Both competitions were highly competitive, with students from across the country showcasing their skills on the national stage.

A Strong Foundation in FCS

Lisa’s journey in FCCLA began in high school, where she was deeply involved in the organization and served as a Missouri FCCLA State Officer. Now a Family and Consumer Sciences Education major at MSU, her leadership and passion continue to shine.

Emma came to MSU after graduating from Staley High School, where she was part of a successful culinary program. At MSU, she has gained hands-on experience through coursework, mentorship from faculty, and participation in events like the annual MSU Culinary Show Down. These experiences, combined with the strong support of faculty and FCS curriculum, prepared her for national recognition.

A Testament to Student Excellence

These national awards represent more than individual achievement—they showcase the strength of Missouri State’s Family and Consumer Sciences program, where faculty support, innovative curriculum, and mentoring opportunities help students thrive.

Their accomplishments also reflect MSU’s public affairs mission, demonstrating ethical leadership, cultural competence, and a commitment to community engagement.

Congratulations, Lisa and Emma! Your success reflects both your personal dedication and the strength of our community of educators and learners.