Jay Cohen, a dedicated Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Adviser at the Culpeper Technical Education Center (CTEC) in Culpeper, Virginia, has been nominated for the prestigious FCCLA Master Adviser Award. This honor recognizes Cohen's outstanding achievements in advising an affiliated chapter for the past three years at CTEC and seven years at Culpeper County High School (CCHS) before CTEC opened, promoting the organization, operating a co-curricular chapter with a balanced program of work, facilitating youth-centered activities, and staying abreast of new developments within the organization.
The Master Adviser Award celebrates advisers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and success in guiding their chapters and students toward excellence. Cohen's commitment to the FCCLA mission and unwavering support for their students have significantly impacted their chapter and the broader FCCLA community.
"I am continually inspired by the dedication of FCCLA’s Chapter Advisers," remarked Sandy Spavone, Executive Director of FCCLA. "Recipients of the Master Adviser Award serve as true role models, exemplifying the organization's highest standards of advising and leadership."
Cohen has been teaching for ten years, all with Culpeper County Public Schools (CCPS). He has worked with FCCLA throughout his teaching career. In the State Culinary STAR events, he started as a judge and quickly became a lead consultant in the “Classic Knife Cuts/Chicken Fabrication” category. For the past three years, his CTEC culinary students have competed in Culinary Exhibit Cake Showpiece and Decorated Cake competitions, all coming home with high placements, including multiple first place designations and gold medals. Last year, Cohen started judging a new competition called “Live Culinary” where students compete in a “Chopped” style competition. In addition to participating at the State level, Cohen is now in his third year of participating in the FCCLA competitions at the National level.
When asked about this nomination, Cohen expressed deep gratitude to his administrators for their support in facilitating his engagement with FCCLA programs. "Thanks to the support and encouragement of my Principal and CTE Director, I am able to extend beyond the classroom. This provides an opportunity to showcase the remarkable talents of the Blaze Kitchen CTEC students through competitions, spotlighting their achievements and successes at both state and national levels.”
Cohen will be recognized for this nomination at the 2024 FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Seattle, WA, this summer. The event, attended by over 8,000 members, advisers, and supporters, will celebrate Cohen's outstanding achievements.
About FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective student-led nation-based organization supporting youth on their journey to become the leaders of tomorrow and helping them address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has over 240,000 members and more than 5,200 chapters across the nation.
FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members. It is the only career and technical intracurricular student organization with a central focus on careers that support families. Participation in national FCCLA programs and chapter activities aids members in becoming strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities. For more information on FCCLA, please contact Jay Cohen at CTEC, (540) 423-6504 or jcohen@ccpsweb.org.