Schools closed before the Delaware Family, Career and Community Leaders of America competition was held, but that didn’t stop Cape High junior Ashlyn Moore.

FCCLA Delaware State Advisor Michelle Semonelle said Ashlyn was the only Delaware fashion and textile student to compete in the online competition, in which she received gold with a score of 96.

“She is an amazing student,” Semonelle said. “Here I am a grown adult, and she has more talent than I do!”

Semonelle said some states had already held their competitions before schools closed, so she met with other state leaders to decide how students could safely compete before the national conference in July. 

“It wasn’t fair to those who hadn’t already competed and qualified, so we decided to hold the competition virtually though Zoom,” Semonelle said.

Competing wasn’t required for Ashlyn; she wanted to do it. After all, she’s on a winning streak. In her freshman year, she earned gold in Delaware’s competition and silver at nationals. Last year, she won gold at state and at nationals.

Ashlyn sewed a royal blue, floor-length satin ball gown she matched with silver heels and jewelry.

“It was different than in person,” she said. “I just did my speech as normal, and took close-up pictures of my gown, display board and planning sheet to submit.”

Semonelle said Ashlyn had to create a plan with tactics and measurable goals, as well as a reflective piece on what she learned during the process.

“It gives them practical skills on goal-setting no matter what field they’re in,” Semonelle said.

The annual competition awards prizes for fashion design, fashion construction, recycle and redesign, and interior design; FCCLA’s national competition will be held virtually in July.

Cape High family and consumer science teacher Alayna Aiken said judges were impressed.

“I’m so proud of her,” Aiken said. “Off to virtual nationals she goes!”