Seneca High School family and consumer science teacher Lynne Ritter has received the national Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Spirit of Advising Award.
The award recognizes FCCLA advisers who are constantly faithful, often quietly working behind the scenes to ensure the success of their students, according to the organization’s website. The honor cited how Ritter embodies the spirit of advising, providing unwavering support and guidance to their students.
FCCLA is a national Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for students in family and consumer sciences education in public and private schools through grade 12. It supports youth on their journey to become the leaders of tomorrow and helps them address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education.
FCCLA has more than 240,000 members and more than 5,200 chapters across the nation. Only one chapter adviser per state is honored with the annual award.
“Mrs. Ritter has always been a dedicated member of our family and consumer science department,” noted Seneca Vice Principal Jessica le Grange, who supervises the department. “She has grown the culinary program at Seneca High School and been a great supporter of our other electives like child development and fashion design.
“We greatly value her contributions and experience,” she added.
“I am continually inspired by the dedication of FCCLA’s chapter advisers,” noted Sandy Spavone, executive director of the organization. “Recipients of the Spirit of Advising Award lead by example, embodying FCCLA’s values through their steadfast commitment and dedication to their students.
“Their contributions are invaluable, and they serve as true ambassadors for the organization.”
Ritter, who is also coordinator of Seneca’s family and consumer science department, was also honored as a New Jersey FCCLA Rookie (Advisor) of the Year in 2002. She earned her bachelor’s degree in home economics with a specialization in food service management from then-Glassboro State College, now Rowan University.
Ritter will be recognized and presented with the FCCLA award at the 2024 National Leadership Conference in Seattle later this month.
