By GARETT VALCOURT
Ponce de Leon High School’s Donna Hicks has been named the recipient of the prestigious FCCLA Spirit of Advising Award for the state of Florida, a recognition presented by the national Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) organization. The honor was announced during this week’s FCCLA state conference held in Orlando.
Hicks, who has served as the PDLHS FCCLA advisor for four years, was selected from among over 7,200 chapter advisers across the nation with one per state chosen annually.
In an official notification from the FCCLA national office, Hicks was praised as someone who “goes above and beyond—not for recognition, but because she believes deeply in students, in the mission of FCCLA, and in the power of leadership to change lives.”
“You are the steady encouragement behind the scenes, the problem-solver, the motivator, the mentor,” the message continued. “You have created a space where members can grow into leaders, and that is what this award is truly about.”
The FCCLA Spirit of Advising Award recognizes educators who exemplify the mission of the organization, developing leadership skills, strengthening families, and encouraging students to reach their full potential through personal growth and service.Hicks was formally honored during the 2025 FCCLA National Leadership Conference.
AMBER PATINO 
Staff Report 