LRHS seniors reflect on first year, importance of FBLA

As the school year concludes, the Lind-Ritzville High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) officially ends the first successful year of having the organization back as an extracurricular activity for students.

FBLA is a nonprofit organization focused on preparing students for careers in business. Throughout the year, the LRHS students attended conferences and workshops, which discussed a variety of business topics.

The topics covered specific aspects of the business world and teach the students basic tools in preparing for future employment. The topics included networking, resume writing, motivation and job expansion.

LRHS seniors Felicia Ziemer, Dusty Kulm, Chandler Widman and Kennea Estler had the opportunity to participate in FBLA after technology teacher Steve Greenwalt brought the organization back into the school.

The seniors said they were excited to join FBLA because it served as a great opportunity to become educated on specific aspects of business.

Ziemer said the club helped her grow as a leader and realize her desire to pursue healthcare and marketing as potential careers.

Widman said he joined FBLA to try something new and expand his knowledge on the world of business. After completing the year, he encouraged younger students to step out of their comfort zone and join the chapter.

As a graduating senior, Widman said he wished FBLA had been available earlier in his high school career.

In order to raise funds for competitions and events, the chapter hosted a variety of fundraisers throughout the year including doughnut and popcorn sales, working the concession stand at sporting events and hosting the Winterfest dance.

Estler said including FBLA on their resumes will give them an advantage when applying for future employment because it showcases knowledge in many areas of business.

Ziemer agreed the chapter will have a positive affect on future employment and assist them in college courses.

In his role as adviser for the chapter, Greenwalt worked hard to ensure the students’ success by encouraging them to be independent and learn to develop as individuals, said Estler.

The students attended the Regional Fall Leadership Conference with an estimated 450 FBLA members in attendance. They attended workshops on specifics areas of business to become knowledgeable in multiple fields.

The group then attended a winter conference with more than 550 students competing in over 45 events. The chapter competed in 12 events including marketing, agri-business and personal finance.

The team placed fifth in Global Business and Networking Concepts, and Kulm and Jack Anderson advanced to state after placing in the top six in two events.

Greenwalt said the students competed very well in their respective events.

The students who competed in marketing, sports and entertainment marketing, and personal finance fell two points short of qualifying for the top six.

On April 19 the team traveled to Spokane to compete in the State Business Leadership Conference.

Estler said the students were required to take tests related to certain topics prior to qualifying for the state competition. During the event, the students participated in Network Design, Personal Finance, Agriculture Business and Healthcare Administration.

The team placed eighth in Network Design.

Greenwalt said the year proved to be a learning experience for the students by helping them become familiar with the competitions and topics.

Next year, he plans to work on establishing teams to compete in group events, as well as individual competitions. Establishing the teams early will allow the students to compete in more events and help them develop skills for the regional and state competitions, he explained.

Greenwalt has additional community service events and fundraisers planned for next year.

The chapter plans to complete a community service for the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, monthly activities during lunch, additional fundraising, group leadership activity rope course and the STCU $100 challenge.

Attending both regional conferences as well as the state conference is the chapter’s main goal for next year. Greenwalt said they also hope to recruit incoming freshmen and returning students in order to increase the organization’s numbers and have more students involved with FBLA.

Estler encouraged student interested in joining FBLA to try something new and to continue even during potential challenges.

Greenwalt thanked parents and organizations who have donated to the FBLA chapter and appreciates the continued support of the students.

He looks forward to the students participating in more activities and contests during the upcoming year.