By Violet Mayes
On September 6, the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) held its annual National Leadership Conference, a competition to elect new officers. Among the Lewis and Clark students in the FBLA, all placed within the top 10 in the nation.
Founded in 1940 by Hamden L. Forkner Sr., the FBLA is the largest career student organization in the world.
The Lewis and Clark students included Eva Voumard, who earned 10th place in Foundations of Communications; Darran Mason Ferrel, who placed 9th in Sports Management and Marketing and 9th in Future Business Executive; Nicc Edwards, who finished 5th in Job Interview and 7th in the Marketing, Sales and Communication Case Competition alongside Vondasia Pittman and Bre Welch.
“I felt proud to represent LC’s new FBLA chapter and had a sense of accomplishment finishing in the top 10 in my first Nationals run!” said Darran Mason Ferrel. “My FBLA goals for the future are to continue elevating our chapter and to bring home a national title to LC’s FBLA chapter this year.”
Christina Wickenhauser, the FBLA advisor for LC, spoke about the conference: “This was such an amazing event, and I’m so proud of our mighty team. Hundreds of students attended this conference, with many having attended in previous years to know what to expect. For the students who were new to the conference, many had advisors and fellow club members who could provide insight into what to expect and how to prepare. Our team had none of that and still managed to place in the top 10, walk across the stage, and receive a trophy! Like the true leaders they are, they left inspired to do better next year. As we traveled home, their conversations turned to their notes and what they needed to work on. These young business professionals are incredibly inspiring, and it is a privilege to watch each of them grow and develop. Many are eager to reach more students this coming year as they understand the impact this club and these events have had on their lives.”
The team wants to thank those who financially support FBLA. You’ve impacted these students’ futures in so many ways.
For more information about FBLA, contact Christina Wickenhouser at cmwickenhauser@lc.edu.
