By Griffin Brightbill and Justin Kortick, Staff Writers
Future Business Leaders of America, which is River Hill’s oldest club, has won 11 straight state championships and plans to continue that success this year in the state competition.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) aims to teach students specific business skills and improve their knowledge in the area. The club offers 20 different topics for research.
The success of River Hill’s FBLA team directly relates to the number of students that participate in the club. For this reason, Faculty adviser Theresa Waters encourages everyone to join.
“Regardless of what a student is interested in, they can actively participate in the club and have fun doing it,” explained Ms. Waters.
FBLA also develops life skills and provides opportunities for student success. When asked why students should join FBLA, Ms. Waters declared, “Students acquire leadership skills, attain scholarships, and enhance their curriculum.”
Many students are fond of the club and praise its benefits. Logan Walker, a state champion, exclaimed, “Because of FBLA, I am a much better public speaker, and I have a better college resume.”
In addition to academic advantages, students join FBLA to have fun as well. Ben Chodnicki, who competed in the state competition last year, claimed, “The state competition was one of the best experiences of my life. I learned so much and had a lot of fun.”
With hundreds of students staying in a hotel together and attending informative workshops, the state competition breeds excitement. The workshops, taught by business professionals, teach specifics to kids and prepare them for a career in business.
Danny Isaac, after attending a business ethics workshop explained the advantages it gave him. “I learned so much, like things I never thought of before, and they’ll help me a lot in the future. And it was fun at the same time!”
With states happening again in a couple of months, the learning and fun will continue, as well as River Hill’s dominance. The competitors fully plan to take a 12th straight win, and with perseverance and focus, they will achieve their goal.