Ross High School Students Advance to National FCCLA Competition with Life-Saving Public Policy Project

Two Ross High School students are taking their advocacy efforts to the national stage after earning first place at the Ohio FCCLA State Leadership Conference.

Nikolaus Mueller and Madelyn Rednour, members of the Ross High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter, won the state championship in the Public Policy Advocate event for their project promoting the adoption of a policy that would make stock epinephrine auto-injectors available on campus.
Their first-place finish has earned them the opportunity to represent Ohio at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference this July, where they will compete against top student advocates from across the country.

Before heading to nationals, Mueller and Rednour will present their project to the Ross Local School District Board of Education on June 25, sharing the research, community outreach, and policy recommendations that have fueled their success.

Advocating for Student Safety

The students' project focuses on a critical health and safety issue: ensuring that students and staff experiencing a severe allergic reaction have immediate access to epinephrine, even if they do not have a previously diagnosed allergy.

According to the students' research, 43 Ross High School students currently have a reported food allergy, contributing to approximately 90 students districtwide with known food allergies. However, severe allergic reactions can occur unexpectedly, making rapid access to treatment essential.

Through their FCCLA Public Policy Advocate project, Mueller and Rednour have researched best practices, educated community members about food allergies, and advocated for a policy that would allow stock epinephrine auto-injectors to be maintained on campus for emergency use.

Their work extends beyond the classroom and competition arena. As part of the project, they have partnered with and promoted awareness of Red Sneakers for Oakley, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing stock epinephrine policies in schools nationwide.

Learning Through Leadership

FCCLA's Public Policy Advocate event challenges students to identify an issue that affects their community, research potential solutions, and advocate for meaningful change through public policy. The experience develops leadership, communication, research, and problem-solving skills while empowering students to make a real-world impact.
For Mueller and Rednour, the project has provided an opportunity to combine advocacy, education, and service while addressing an issue that directly impacts student health and safety.

The impact of FCCLA participation is something many families have witnessed firsthand.

"FCCLA played a significant role in the personal growth and leadership development of Savannah, Olivia, and Nikolaus," said Will Mueller, FCCLA parent and judge. "It provided them with opportunities to build confidence and a sense of social responsibility. Through competitive events, team projects, and service-based initiatives, they developed stronger communication and time management skills. We love hearing how they are using these learned skills throughout their college and professional careers."

Following Their Journey

Mueller and Rednour continue to share updates about their project, research, and advocacy efforts through the Ross FCCLA program's social media channels.

Community members interested in learning more about food allergies can visit Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), while those interested in supporting stock epinephrine initiatives can learn more through Red Sneakers for Oakley.

As they prepare to represent Ross High School and the State of Ohio at the national competition, Mueller and Rednour are demonstrating how student leadership can create meaningful conversations and potentially life-saving change within schools and communities.

Ross Local School District congratulates Nikolaus and Madelyn on their state championship and wishes them the best of luck as they compete on the national stage this July.