The season of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) competitions is back, and this year three Bellefonte High students qualified for nationals in Orlando, Florida: Morgan Besecker, Carley Clarkson, and Jacob Corman.
FBLA states occurs every year in the month of April, with this year occurring from April 8-10 in Hershey. Over 3,000 students around the whole state came together and competed in a variety of categories at the event. Students ultimately have one goal: place in the top four, and make it to nationals, which is taking place in Orlando, Florida from June 29 to July 2.
Bellefonte took 14 students with them to compete at this year’s state competition under FBLA advisors BeLA teacher Ms. Rebecca Leitzell and business teacher Mr. Ryan Myers. Five of the individuals placed in states: Morgan Besecker, Carley Clarkson, and Jacob Corman in second place for Banking and Financial Systems; Amelia Harrington in eighth place for Impromptu Speaking; and Madisyn Breon in sixth place for Data Analysis. Morgan Besecker, Ashlyn Harrington, and Christian Larson were the National Business Honor Society recipients.
The other students who made the trip and qualified for states at regionals were: Grace Novitsky and Katelyn Packer taking first for Graphic Design; Alyssa Hopkins taking first for Visual Design; Isabelle Baer taking second for Impromptu Speaking; Ashleigh Aukerman taking second for Job Interview; Kaven Smith-Kirk taking second for Intro to Business Communication; Jackson James taking third for Public Speaking; Derek Cox and Ethan Tomasacci taking third for Sales Presentation; and Ashlyn Harrington taking third for Visual Design.
The students who made the trip to Hershey enjoyed the way everyone worked together and made a safe environment for everyone involved. They were all very excited about the opportunity to meet new people and network during their time at states.
“The best part of competing at states was being able to meet so many people from so many different schools. There were over 3,000 students in attendance for this year,” Amelia said.
The three individuals who will be moving on to nationals and seeing where this journey takes them are beyond excited for the opportunity and look forward to their time in Orlando.
“Honestly, I didn’t expect to make it to nationals so I’m very excited about the opportunity, and I think the time we will spend in Orlando will be tons of fun and will have plenty of things to do and visit,” Jacob said.
Prior to competing the group went in confident and valued the art of communication. They believed ultimately their interpersonal skills and past business classes led them to the success they received.
“It was all about our communications skills, past experience and classes that we have taken along with our common interests of finance and business that helped us achieve a spot in nationals,” Morgan said.
Carley enjoys meeting the people who attended the FBLA competitions and getting to compete while also making friends and having a good time with friends there as well.
“The environment at FBLA is amazing. You get to meet tons of people and interact with people you never have before. Reaching out and meeting new people at states and regional allows you to feel more comfortable going into national and helps you with your communication part of your competition,” she said.
The group as a whole believes that this club has helped them learn many new things while also spending time with the people they care about; it is a win-win for the group as a whole.
“FBLA has allowed me to expand my knowledge and understanding of the business world which I think is so important for everyone to know the basics of. As well as to meet new people and hang out with friends at the same time,” Carley said
Moving forward, the second-place winners at nationals will be heading to Orlando, Florida to continue their efforts this summer in the FBLA competition and will hopefully score another win at nationals this year.
