FBLA Successful at State

Seven Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) from Greendale competed this past Sunday-Tuesday, April 8, 9, and 10, at the FBLA State Competition in LaCrosse.

As members of FBLA, students who are interested in a career in business compete in specific categories.  They may be asked to give presentations or take tests to demonstrate their knowledge of a particular aspect of business.

“I participate in accounting,” junior Ryan Unruh said.  “I take a test about accounting and it tests how much I know.”

All the members of the Greendale team who went to State enjoy being a part of the organization.

“I joined FBLA my freshman year because I have always been passionate about business. It allows students to embrace their professional personas, while also growing as individuals. It truly is an incredible organization,” senior Katherine Morgan, a Public Speaking participant, said.

Unruh agrees, sharing that he enjoys the events members are able to take part in.

“I joined it because I wanted to learn more about business and get involved in high school. My favorite part has been the networking and the fun events each year,” he said.

Most students who went to State are pleased with their performance.

“I got second place in my event, so I feel pretty good about my performance since I get to move onto Nationals in Baltimore. Next year I hope I can succeed in an event like I have this year,” Unruh said.

Junior Ray Arndorfer, a Computer Applications participant, also qualified for Nationals, taking third place at State after winning first place at Regionals.

While she was not as successful as Arndorfer and Unruh, Morgan is very happy with the presentation she gave at State.

“While I didn’t qualify for Nationals, I believe I worked to the best of my ability to deliver a performance that was fulfilling to me, personally. I don’t believe it’s necessary to win, but to embrace one’s humility.” she said.

In order to qualify for the State competition, students have to place in the top three of their category at Regionals.  Although he did not make the cut at Regionals, sophomore Tommy Hess was given the opportunity to attend state in a special capacity

“I actually didn’t compete in an event because I did not qualify for State, however I wanted to find a way to participate this year and my advisor offered me a position in the legacy academy being hosted at State,” he said.  “Even though I did not participate in an event, I feel as though a grew as an individual from going to State, so in my opinion I was very successful.”

Hess recognizes that even those not interested in pursuing business can benefit from being a member of FBLA.

“I joined because I want to pursue a career in business, but for other people that aren’t interested in that, it is still a great way to learn skills that can be used in all careers and industries,” he said.

Overall, Greendale FBLA students are grateful that they took the risk of joining the group and are pleased with their performances this year.  Hopefully the success continues at Nationals at the end of June.