The MHS FBLA chapter attended the Eastern Area Conference on January 9th at the Keller Convention Center in Effingham, Illinois. All 10 of our chapter's members were able to attend and had a great time making connections with students from 9 other schools. There were over 160 students participating in events and workshops during the day. Miss Henn, FLBA Adviser said she is “so proud of how our Martinsville students are willing to go out of their comfort zone to try new things and make new friends at events like this. There is nothing better as an adviser than to see the students glowing and talking on the bus coming back to school about the day they had and all they took away from it.”
Izzy Phillips was the 22-23 Vice President for the Eastern Area, as well as, the Illinois FBLA State Reporter. She was able to both expand her connections and assist the Area President in conducting business at the conference.
Natalie Craig declared to run for the same position, Area Vice President, this year. She had to prepare a 2–3-minute speech and poster display about herself and why she is running for the office. Being voted in by her peers, Natalie was able to secure the Eastern Area Vice President office. She will assume the role at the conclusion of the State Leadership Conference in April.
All of our members had the choice to take an objective test and/or compete in a competitive event at Area. Tests were taken prior to the conference for the sake of time, but the competitive events were judged in person at the conference and required preparation ahead of time.
MHS students came home with the following placings:
Natalie Craig- 1st Job Interview Event
Chelsie Claypool- 4th Advertising Test
Sadie Svika- 3rd Advertising Test & 3rd UX Design Test
Finn Pleij- 4th Agribusiness Test
Izzy Phillips- 1st Human Resource Management Test & 1st Public Service Announcement Event
This Area Conference helped prepare the students to compete again at the State Leadership Conference April 5th through 6th, in Springfield. There they will attend workshops and hear speakers share about business related topics. Those that will compete at the conference will have the opportunity to learn from other members from all over the state and have the chance to advance to the National Leadership Conference if they place accordingly.
Miss Henn added: “I cannot say enough good things about these kids. We really have the BEST here at Martinsville and I am so happy to be a part of it.”
This information was provided by Sadie Svika (student writer) and Miss Henn, FBLA Adviser.