Underly makes a surprise visit to Dodgeville High School

State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly made a surprise visit to Dodgeville High School on Tuesday (April 14) to celebrate student Addy Hoyer and Adviser Sarah James, who are among just 10 national finalists selected by the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Both are being recognized for their outstanding service and leadership. 

Hoyer, a senior, is one of five outstanding student leaders selected as the 2026 Member of the Year Award National Finalists. Hoyer has served multiple leadership roles within FCCLA, including chapter vice president of public relations, chapter president, Region 6 ambassador and Wisconsin state vice president of engagement.  In her state role, she developed a comprehensive toolkit for the organization’s Community Service Partner, helping chapters implement sustainable service initiatives. Her leadership contributed to raising over $5,000 for Paul’s Party and the donation of more than 200 kindness cards statewide. 

James was selected as one of five finalists out of more than 7,300 chapter advisers nationwide for the 2026 Adviser of the Year. The award is the highest honor a chapter adviser can receive and celebrates the exceptional leadership, dedication and impact of advisers who support FCCLA members. As adviser for the Dodgeville FCCLA Chapter for the past 10 years, James  has grown chapter membership significantly while building a strong, student-centered program that empowers members to discover their passions, develop real-world skills, and make meaningful contributions to their school and community. 

Hoyer and James have both been awarded a $1,000 prize by the national organization in recognition of their outstanding service and will be honored at the upcoming National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., where one student and one adviser will be named FCCLA Member of the Year and Adviser of the Year.