Future Business Leaders of America, or FBLA, was able to put our school’s name on the map at the state competition this weekend. Not only were the students looking forward to the always exciting trip toDisneyland, but also to proving their intelligence and self-confidence while competing.
The six-hour drive down toIrvinewas full of loud music, laughter, and excitement but as we got closer to the hotel, some competitors began to study for their late night tests and performances in order to obviate last place finishes.
Once we arrived, a number of students hurried upstairs to get in some last minute study sessions as well as to get dressed in business attire. While all of this was occurring, the other competitors participated in a zumba dance class and scavenger. This left them exhausted, and the students could only imagine how they would feel after another two days full of important events.
By eight in the morning of the next day, many members were starting their day by either taking more competitive tests, sharing computer gaming systems, or attending informative workshops, featuring such helpful topics as the SAT and ACT, or how one should decide on a career. Two hours later, the 2,000 students along with chaperones crowded into the grand ballroom for a welcome ceremony. This began with a pretentious countdown and an introduction FBLA’s state officers, followed by a motivating speech made by Baja Fresh’s CEO, David Kim. After this, testing continued, as did the informational workshops. Some students tried to circumvent attending one, but found out that the information was well worth the uncomfortable hour spent listening. For the rest of the night, students were free to shop, get their nails done, play the Wii brought by one of the members, or attend the blue jean dance put on in support for Bowling for Babies.
The next day, after walking around Disneyland, our school’s members rushed back to the award ceremony hoping that amongst us were some of the distinguished young adults that would advance to the National Championship inDallas,Texas. Only students who took first, second, or third in their event could move on. Ashlyn Inman was the one that our group believed to have a high chance at advancing, after her excellent speech the previous day. Adding to her anxiety, Ashlyn performed the national anthem in front of the entire California Section. After the wonderful opening events, Pitman students dug their feet in their ground and sat on the edge of their seat in hopes that their name would be one ten called on stage.
Jamee Bollinger was the first of many Pitman representatives to be awarded, taking sixth place in Accounting I. Following her was Ryan Burns in Cyber Security, Hunter Wright and Austin King with their presentation on Computer Game Simulation Programming, and Addison Schuhardt in Desktop Application Programming. Jordan Garcia placed in Hospitality Management, Gary Dunn’s name was called for Introduction to Technology Concepts, Simon Staley for Personal Finance, and finally, Ashlyn Inman was called up to receive sixth in Public Speaking II.
Although no students are going to Nationals this year, they did complete an incredibly hard task. Placing higher than fifth in the Sectional Competition is extremely difficult to do. Hours of studying and preparing are put forth to even have a chance in placing. On top of this, they spend a large amount of time fundraising. Every student involved in this club is greatly motivated, and has the desire to improve him or herself in many ways. Although FBLA is focused on many business-related topics, it is also a club that helps one find themselves and learn how to be comfortable with whom they are. It gives them the opportunity to test waters they may have never even thought about before, and gives them the ability to create goals they will strive and excel to complete. After the mass amount of dedication and participation this year, Pitman was recognized as an outstanding chapter as well as awarded the Gold Seal Chapter Award of Merit, which is an amazing achievement.
