By: Edward Kiesendahl
While most high schoolers were enjoying summer break without a worry about anything school related, at the end of June Wallenpaupack FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) sent fifteen students out west to Anaheim California for the FBLA National Leadership Conference. These students had qualified for the national level of their events by placing in the top four at the State Leadership Conference that was held in April. The events that the teams participated in were Broadcast Journalism, Digital Video Production, Future Business Educator, Graphic Design, Journalism, and Social Media Strategies. During their trip these teams would be competing to make it out of the preliminary round into the final round with the ultimate goal to place in the top ten in the nation.
The trip was not all business for everyone. With the Californias sun shining all week it was a perfect time for some field trips. From exploring the San Deigo Zoo, to experiencing San Diego, visiting a west coast beach, and going to Disneyland our students got a feel of west coast living. Going places unlike anything around Wallenpaupack also provided the students with a chance to release tension and stress about their events. Also, it was a chance to connect with people from different parts of the country and be introduced to different cultures.
When it was time to get down to business our teams were prepared. Four teams made it through the preliminary round and into the final round. This may seem like a small number, but this is success like our already well respected FBLA chapter rarely has seen. Out of these teams three placed in the top ten. Just one year after placing first in the nation for Social Media Strategies the team of Hannah Stratton and Darby Brennen place third in their event of Broadcast Journalism. The solo performance from Noah Braida earned him fifth place in the Future Business Educator event. Lastly Ben Scholl, Bryce Pagano, and Eddie Kiesendahl placed second for Digital Video Production just one spot away from being crowned best in the nation. Ben Scholl was also recognized on stage for being the Pennsylvania State President. Wallenpaupack’s current FBLA secretary Bryce Pagano described the trip saying, “The trip was amazing from start to finish. Getting to bring a bit of our small community to a place across the country, and being able to place second in the nation was such an honor.”
The trip continued to build our FBLA chapters’ successful history and with many students that went on the trip returning this year was foundation for the year to come. This year’s FBLA season is starting now. Anyone wanting to join should talk to Mrs. Monte or Mr. Winagle about what event is best for you.
