The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter at Sandy Creek High wrapped up its inaugural year by bringing home high honors from the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Nashville.
The team of Saridh Galvan, Carlisle Vidourek, and Tamara Lopez won sixth place in Digital Design and Promotion. Ellie Klarl, Jamarcus Mathis, and Rosie Jamison placed eighth in Hospitality Management.
Sandy Creek’s FBLA adviser, Melanie Duncan, said the awards were especially meaningful because 2013–2014 was the first year for the school’s FBLA chapter. “As a first-year chapter, we were optimistic, but we really didn’t know what to expect at Nationals. The students studied and prepared for the tests and presentations, and their hard work was rewarded. They were a great group to work with, and I am very proud of their performance.”
More than 10,000 students from across the United States and several other countries attended the conference to sharpen their core business skills, expand their networks, and participate in more than 60 business-related competitive events. Participants were invited to attend after qualifying at state-level FBLA conferences. In Nashville, students took a written test, with the 15 top-scoring teams in each event advancing to the final segment of the competition. During the final portion, students collaborated in a sequestered, timed event to analyze a business-related challenge and present a solution to a panel of judges. Prizes were awarded to the top 10 teams in each event.
The conference, which recognizes and rewards excellence in a broad range of business and career-related areas, awarded more than $165,000 in cash awards. In addition to participating in the competitions, students attended educational workshops, visited an information-packed exhibit hall, and listened to motivational keynote lectures on a broad range of business topics.
