LILLIANN VAN BENSCHOTEN ELECTED PRESIDENT OF NEW YORK STATE FCCLA

Proud moment: LilliAnn VanBenschoten was installed at NYS FCCLA president at an event held at the Villa Roma in Callicoon on March 19. Pictured are, from left, Superintendent Michelle Osterhoudt, FCCLA advisor Kate VanBenschoten, LilliAnn VanBenschoten, MCS Board President Doris Warner, and FCCLA advisor Laurel Becker. 

ALBANY — The New York State Association of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (NYS FCCLA) has announced that LilliAnn Van Benschoten, a student at Margaretville Central School, has been elected to serve as the 2026–2027 State President. In this leadership role, she will represent and guide more than 5,000 FCCLA members across New York State, continuing the organization’s mission to empower youth through Family and Consumer Sciences education. 

LilliAnn has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and passion throughout her years of FCCLA involvement. She has participated in statewide and national conferences, excelled in STAR Events, and led a variety of service-learning projects focused on strengthening families, communities, and leadership among youth. Outside of FCCLA, LilliAnn was recently appointed as the MCS Ex Officio Board Member. She is also an active member of Student Senate and participates in several artistic groups, including Art Club, OVA, Fortissimo, and Chorus Council.

Principal Joy Holden of Margaretville Central School expressed her pride in Lilliann’s achievement. “Lilliann is an exceptional student whose drive, compassion, and commitment have truly set her apart,” Holden said. “Her election as State President is a remarkable accomplishment that reflects her hard work both inside and outside the classroom. We are incredibly proud of her and know she will represent Margaretville and New York State with excellence.”

As State President, Lilliann will chair the NYS Executive Council—a team of student officers responsible for planning statewide leadership conferences, coordinating community initiatives, and representing New York at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference. 

Superintendent Michelle Osterhoudt also shared, “This is an incredible accomplishment and a true reflection of LilliAnn’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to making a difference. We could not be more proud to see one of our students stepping into such an important role.”