The MHS FBLA chapter attended the 75th Annual State Leadership Conference held at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield on April 4th-6th. At the conference, students attended workshops and general sessions, along with networking with their peers and business leaders from around the state.
The majority of the Martinsville students chose to take an Objective Test that was completed prior to attending the conference. While none of them made the top 10, Ms. Henn said she is “very proud of the effort they put in to take the test. They studied on their own time to learn the material for the tests.”
Two students, Natalie Craig and Izzy Phillips, competed in Competitive Events where they had to present and perform in front of a panel of judges. BOTH of these girls made the finals to secure them a spot in the top 10! They then presented one last time to a new panel of judges in the final round on Saturday before the awards ceremony.
Natalie Craig placed 2nd in Job Interview and Izzy Phillips placed 6th in Public Service Announcement.
Natalie Craig will be advancing to the National Leadership Conference held in Orlando, FL in late June to compete amongst the top members from other states in the Job Interview competitive event. Ms. Henn added, “we are very excited to have this opportunity!”
Izzy has been on the State Officer Team for the last year serving as the State Reporter. Ms. Henn said, “those that know Izzy know this is one of the many places she excels. She was responsible for keeping all social media and the website up to date, as well as take pictures at events and conferences. We are very proud of Izzy for her job well done and dedication to FBLA.”
Chelsie Claypool, a member of FBLA said “As we were leaving the conference room I almost cried.” Cassie Pickens, the president of the chapter said “It's a bittersweet feeling that it's over.”
Serenity Finkbiner, said “I'm sad that it's over, but I'm glad I got to experience it.”
These were all seniors and it was their last year participating in FBLA. Best of luck to Natalie at the National Conference in June!
Information submitted by Ms. Henn, FLBA Advisor and Sadie Svika, Senior Blueprint Staff Writer