There are many young, influential voices walking the halls of Louisa County High School— students still discovering who they are and what they hope to become. Among them is 16-yearold Hurley Lucckese, a junior who even while navigating profound personal loss has chosen not only to persevere, but to lead.

Among a diverse range of roles, Lucckese serves as Managing Editor of the LCHS Reflector Yearbook, leading a staff of more than 20 students through the creation of this year’s publication, “OUR Journey.” Just this past week, he received and proudly unboxed the final shipment—marking the end of months of work and a milestone moment as the school year winds down. He was named Reflector Salesperson of the Year in both 2025 and 2026, raising $2,000 for publication, and credits advisor Stacy Wildman for helping guide what has been described as a “trophy class” yearbook.

His leadership extends across multiple organizations. Lucckese is Co-Chair of the Blue Ridge Virginia Governor’s School Student Leadership Council and serves as President of the Louisa Chapter of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

During his sophomore year, after being selected as chapter president, Lucckese worked alongside advisor Nicole Lohr to revitalize the Louisa FCCLA chapter, growing it to more than 30 members. This year, he was elected Virginia FCCLA First Vice President, becoming second in command to more than 10,000 members statewide—reportedly the first student from Louisa to hold a state FCCLA office. A seasoned veteran at organizing and raising funds, he also serves on the Board of Directors and assists in planning the annual state conference. Of all his accomplishments, he said his leadership within FCCLA is what he is most proud of.

Even with a schedule that might overwhelm some students, Lucckese continues to stay involved in 4-H Livestock Club, where he raises hogs, and serves as a Teen Counselor and member of the Holiday Lake Teen Leadership Council. He also participates in the Student Organization for Developing Attitudes, the Kick-Off Mentor Council (assisting freshmen with their transition into high school), the National Honor Society, Talented and Gifted, and the LCHS Academic Team.

His accolades reflect that level of commitment: FCCLA Power of One Completer and Go For the Red Award (2025 and 2026), Louisa FCCLA Officer of the Year (2025), Louisa FCCLA Outstanding Leadership Award (2026), the FCCLA National Public Relations Award (2025)—with his school the only one in the country to receive it—as well as multiple 4-H honors and six LCPS MVP nominations. Not to mention being named to the Junior Homecoming Court in 2025.

Outside the structure of meetings, deadlines, and leadership roles, Lucckese finds small ways to stay connected to the people around him—often baking cookies for classmates or unwinding by listening to Taylor Swift. Those quieter moments offer a glimpse of who he is beyond titles and responsibilities. At the same time, one of his strongest interests lies in politics.

Lucckese is the founder and president of the Louisa Young Democrats and a member of the Louisa Democratic Committee, thanking Chairman Mark Itzkoff and former Chair Juanita Jo Matkins for their steady mentorship. He is also a member of the Virginia Young Democrats Council of Presidents and Rural Caucus—planning monthly meetings, campaigning for candidates, and representing Louisa at the Virginia Young Democrats convention. Though he has lofty goals of becoming President of the United States or Secretary of State, his “more realistic goal” is becoming a member of Congress. For now, his eyes are set on New York University—his “dream school” due to its amenities and views on globalism. After recently helping out with the Abigail Spanberger campaign, he hopes to major in international relations and politics with the goal of making a difference.

“There’s so much hate in the world and it’s not needed,” Lucckese stated, before referencing the creation of the Louisa Young Democrats despite living in a red county. “I was worried about [the organization] gaining traction but I wanted to have representation and find like-minded people…One of our missions is increasing understanding between political parties, which I think is very important.”

Lucckese interviewed Town of Louisa Mayor Ashley Michael during her candidacy, asking a range of questions involving local politics to help others better understand the intricacies of local government. Following the interview, Michael credited Lucckese for his approach.

“This is a testament to the impactful conversations that can happen when we approach discussions with authenticity and vulnerability,” Michael stated. “Hurley’s thoughtful questions and engagement, along with that of our youth, leave me feeling hopeful and inspired. We are Louisa.”

While some may believe that high school students should be focused solely on education and not involved in politics, Lucckese rejected the notion entirely, stating that youth involvement in civic life is not optional—it’s essential.

“Teenagers are the next generation. We are the ones who will be affected in the future by current legislation. We are the ones who will shape tomorrow,” Lucckese stated. “Civic engagement is so important for youth. And when I say civic engagement, I mean actually being educated and doing something. A great example is speaking at a Board of Supervisors meeting. It’s so easy to be involved and make change. Politics is education. It is so important for the youth to be engaged because we are the future.”

Lucckese has given speeches to the Louisa County Board of Supervisors on multiple occasions, developing his public speaking skills from his prior experience in theatre. He also gave a shoutout to his freshman World History teacher, Stacy Carr, for improving his presentation skills.

He expressed gratitude towards Louisa County Public Schools as a whole for fostering an environment of positivity and inclusion for all, thanking the administration for always having an open door.

“[LCHS Principal] Mr. Redd and [LCPS Superintendent] Mr. Straley are always willing to help me and willing to chat…I have had multiple meetings with [Straley] and he truly cares for every student,” Lucckese stated. “I think that LCPS provides so many opportunities for growth and development. I’m excited for the new CTE center which will be such a great opportunity for future students.”

Amid a long list of people he acknowledged for playing a role in his achievements, Lucckese’s words carried a different weight when he spoke of his late father, who died from a traumatic brain injury in December of last year. Even in his absence, Lucckese said his father’s influence endures and remains the foundation of the purpose and direction he carries forward.

“This was the worst time in my life. It’s been so rough, these last few months I was about ready to quit all of my clubs and let the pain take over,” Lucckese stated. “But, I found love in everyone around me. My mom, Mrs. Lohr, my friends, especially Laurel and Quinlan who drastically improved my mood, Mrs. Wildman, my grandpa, everyone. I mourn the loss of my dad everyday. But I am so thankful to have a support system. He provided me with so many pathways for my future and I will never forget everything that he has done for me. I love you, dad.”