Waukon FBLA attends National Leadership Conference ...
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) brought together more than 16,000 students and academic advisers from 48 states and territories to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL from June 28-July 2 for the annual FBLA National Leadership Conference. The Conference is an opportunity for the best career and technical education (CTE) students in the nation to compete in more than 100 competitive events, take part in workshop sessions with industry leaders and state meetings, visit the expo exhibit hall, and conduct networking throughout the conference with the traditional state pin trading.
The Waukon High School FBLA Chapter had nine members in attendance at the National Conference including (pictured in the photo at center): Left to right - Front row: Reagan Lubahn, Taylor Kiel, Lauryn Howard, Halea Corwin and Carlee Thorstenson; Back row: Hayden Dahlstrom, Cole Benzing, McKinley Rostvold and Issac Johanningmeier. Also attending were Waukon FBLA faculty advisers Laurel Keenan and Joanne Ericson. Overall, there were 117 FBLA members representing the state of Iowa among the nation’s best at the National Conference in a variety of business, entrepreneurship, and computer science competitive events.
The nine Waukon FBLA members competed in the following events at the National Conference: Lauryn Howard in Partnership with a Business, Halea Corwin and Cole Benzing in Business Ethics, Carlee Thorstenson in Data Analysis, Reagan Lubahn and Taylor Kiel in Hospitality and Event Management, Issac Johanningmeier in Mobile Apps, McKinley Rostvold in Client Services, and Hayden Dahlstrom in Financial Statement Analysis. Although the Waukon FBLA did not have a top-10 placewinner in any of the national competitions, the state of Iowa had one placewinner from New Hampton who placed fourth in Securities and Investments. Also of note, Cole Benzing (pictured individually at right), Waukon FBLA Chapter President, participated in his first public event as a State of Iowa FBLA officer, assisting and speaking at the state meeting at the National Conference, as well as performing other duties throughout the event.
“The trip and conference were a great educational experience and a success for everyone,” the Waukon FBLA Advisory Team shared. “Students also had the opportunity to experience local tourism in and around Orlando including Universal Studios (pictured in the photo below) and Cocoa Beach. Thank you to all that supported our fundraisers as well as the donations that were provided to help make this conference opportunity possible.” Submitted photos.
