Rockwall ISD Fashion Design Students Make History with Six Going to Nationals

ROCKWALL, TX (April 23, 2026) The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Fashion Design team from the Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy is celebrating a historic achievement after competing at the FCCLA State Leadership Conference earlier this month in Dallas.

Of the 12 students who competed, 10 earned a Top 5 rating in the state, and six students qualified to compete at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference this summer in Washington, D.C. This achievement marks a milestone in the program’s history with the highest number of national qualifiers, surpassing the previous record of five students.

“These students represented our program with excellence, creativity, and dedication,” said FCCLA advisor Mrs. Renee’ Aube’. “I cannot wait to see what this exceptional group accomplishes in Washington, D.C. My expectation is to see them all on stage again as Top 10 finalists—and even on the national podium.”

Students earned a national qualification by placing first or second in their respective categories at the state level.

Among the Top 5 finishers were:

Milene Gatti – Fashion Design Level 2, 4th place

Sophia Suther – Fashion Construction Level 2, 2nd place (National Qualifier)

Sophia Brewster – Fashion Construction Level 3, 2nd place (National Qualifier)

Raleigh McMillan – Fashion Design Level 3, 2nd place (National Qualifier)

Breanna Weaver – Fashion Construction Level 2, 1st place (National Qualifier)

Kenedy Card – Fashion Design Level 2, 1st place (National Qualifier)

Analeigh Porter – Fashion Design Level 2, 2nd place (National Qualifier)

Astella Denning – Fashion Construction Level 2, 3rd place

Emma Thompson – Fashion Design Level 2, 3rd place

Abby Singleton – Fashion Construction Level 3, 5th place

Additional competitors included Lindsay Schwan, who placed 8th, and Tyler Conklin, who placed 10th in their respective categories.
The six national qualifiers—Sophia Suther, Sophia Brewster, Raleigh McMillan, Breanna Weaver, Kenedy Card, and Analeigh Porter—will go on to represent Rockwall ISD and the state of Texas on the national stage this summer.

Submitted press release by Luci Mouton, Communications Coordinator, Rockwall ISD. 

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