Ten members of Rugby High School’s Rugby Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Chapter attended the 55th Annual North Dakota State Leadership Conference/Competition March 27-29. More than 60 FBLA chapters from across the state participated, connecting approximately 900 and high school students to test their business skills against peers across the state.
The most exciting aspect of the conference is the program of competitive events. Students have the opportunity to test the business skills they learned in class in a variety of individual, team and chapter events. Students can participate in events such as accounting, computer applications, cybersecurity, healthcare administration, etc. The highlight of the competitive events program is the awards ceremony where winners are recognized for their achievements. In addition to the competitive events program, students had the opportunity to attend workshops, vote for the 2022-23 State Officers Team, and network with members from across the state. This year, members also had the opportunity to hear keynote speaker, Amberley Snyder, with her keynote address, “There is no future to give up” on overcoming adversity.
It has been a very special year for Rugby FBLA. It was their first competition and their first year in the FBLA. Councilors Lori Wangler and Paola Trottier are proud of the hard work that has been accomplished over the past year.
High school student Tambrey Brossart placed first in digital citizenship, earning a spot at the FBLA National Conference, which will be held in Chicago from June 28 to July 2. Brossart also obtained second place in the commercial etiquette contest. Madeline Hurly, who won first place in the exploration technology competition, and third-place winners Olivia Belisle, leadership, and Hannah Musser, for interpersonal communication, are also heading to the national championships.
Middle school student Kenley Heilman took third place in the interpersonal communication competition.
At the high school level, Leah Shepard took 10th place in the cybersecurity competition.
FBLA is a professional organization for students interested in pursuing a career in business. This year’s theme “Success Starts Here” reflects the goals of FBLA members, some of today’s best and brightest young people. FBLA-PBL’s mission is to inspire and prepare students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. To learn more, visit the FBLA website at www.fbla-pbl.org, the ND FBLA website at www.nd-fbla.org or visit us on Facebook at ND FBLA or Instagram at northdakotafbla.