Club Focus: Business is in the Air for FBLA
FBLA is in full swing here at Neshannock High School. For those who aren’t aware, the week of November 18, students participating in FBLA took their tests to determine if they qualify for the State Leadership Conference (SLC) in Hershey in 2020. Not everyone who is participating in FBLA took a test, however. Some students are currently hard at work on their presentations, which range from broadcast journalism videos to 3D animation projects. These they will demonstrate and showcase at the Regional Leadership Conference (RLC) on December 16 at Park Inn by Radisson in West Middlesex. Also at the RLC test takers will find out if they placed in their respective test events.
What exactly is FBLA? It is an academic organization centered around business. Students in grades 9-12 are able to join, thereby readying themselves for the business world via academic competitions and even, if interested, leadership positions. Students can run for such offices as president and secretary for their chapter. This is truly a beneficial extracurricular to consider if one is thinking about working in the business field: finance, accounting, communications. There is an event for everyone.
The top three students in each event at the RLC will go on to compete at the state level in Hershey. Going to Hershey is a wonderful experience. Not only do students get to visit Hershey’s Chocolate World and treat themselves to a milkshake of their choice, but they also have an opportunity to learn about what it means to be part of the workforce. A positive aspect of the SLC is that there are different “activities” at scheduled times throughout the day to impress upon students the basics of business—and not the “artsy-craftsy” activities that one might associate with elementary school. There are also speakers with real-world experience in how to function in the business world. So aside from taking one’s test or presenting one’s project at the state competition (or simply “states”, as it’s so lovingly called by those participating), one can play a game involving the selling of iPhones or sit in on a speaker discussing the proper approach to a job interview. It’s all designed to enhance students’ knowledge of business and the real world.
Several students ended up doing very well in their events qualifying for the SLC. Sofia Hassan and Aminah Harp placed first and second, respectively, in the Political Science test. Aaliyah Smith grabbed first place in the Business Communications test. Numerous others represented Neshannock well, not just in tests but in presentations. If the students placed well enough in their events, they have the opportunity to go to Hershey and participate in the SLC, which takes place April 5 through April 8. That is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.