Competing in business-related events such as computer problem solving, marketing, personal finance and many others are just a taste of what FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) members endured during their most recent business competitions.
FBLA is an organization designed to meet the needs of students who want to pursue a career in any business related fields. FBLA is advised by paraeducator Mrs. Victoria Bridges, who has been the advisor for 17 years.
The students in FBLA prepare for all of their competitions by taking sample tests and reviewing information material focused on their particular event. The members also work with Bridges and their other business teachers in order to prepare. While a majority of the FBLA members are business students, anyone can join the club.
North Harford was proud to host the FBLA’s Region IIII’s Regional Competition, held on Wednesday, February 4. They competed with counties from all along the eastern shore, which included Carroll, Cecil, and Harford Counties.
The FBLA members had the chance to participate in around 50 different business-related events including competitive competitions and performance events. The competitions usually last around one hour for the online categories, but the performance times may vary depending on the category.
Out of the 23 participants in North Harford’s FBLA team, nine participants received first and second place. In Business Calculation, senior Michael Lascola received second place. Senior Austin Stinnett got first place in Computer Problem Solving. In the Cyber Security category, senior Ashley Harbold earned second place. Working as a team, senior, Andrew Asbury and senior Jeremy Jacobs placed second in Hospitality Management. In Marketing, sophomores Abby Simms and Robert Pekarek received first place. Senior Charles Walker won first place in Networking Concepts and senior Sam Van Valkenbug received first place in Personal Finance.
“I’m pretty good at math and taking chemistry helped a lot because it is just like business math, but different objects,” said Lascola.
Recognition needs to be given to the students who participated in some of the more competitive categories like junior Melissa Delcher, competing in Public Speaking II, and senior Molly Clark, competing in Accounting I . Delcher came in third place for Public Speaking and Clark received fourth place.
“I had to give a 5-minute speech on goals of FBLA creating interest in the American Enterprise,” said Delcher. “It is something I will use when I grow up and it is very desirable for colleges.”