FBLA competes at the FBLA Northern Illinois Conference

FBLA competes at the FBLA Northern Illinois Conference
Stillman Valley’s Future Business Leaders of America attended the Northern Illinois FBLA Conference on Saturday, Jan. 26, at Grayslake Central High School. Nine members plus the three advisers attended the conference. FBLA members had a choice of 80 different events that they could compete in from online testing to formal presentations. At the conference, members who prepared presentations, presented in front of two to three judges that critiqued them on their business and technology knowledge, presentational skills and proper business attire. Members could also complete online testing in specific business and technology areas such as Accounting, Agribusiness, Business Law, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Help Desk, Introduction to Public Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, Graphic Design, Computer Problem Solving, Word-processing, Computer Gaming and Simulations and Web Design. Some of these online tests also included a production portion as well.
At the end of competition. all FBLA members met together in the Field House where the newly elected regional officers were inducted. They also listened to the keynote speaker, Laura Lindwall, from “Hands Without Pockets”. Being born with a birth defect, she shared with the members the successes and struggles she has faced throughout her life.
“Something I love about the Northern Conference are their keynote speakers. This year’s keynote was Laura Lindwall who spoke about not hiding who you are and being a leader in what you love. It was incredibly inspiring,” stated Ryan Read, one of the Stillman Valley FBLA Advisers.
Following the keynote speaker, FBLA members were presented with their competitive awards. Stillman Valley’s FBLA members who placed and now moved on to State competition are:
● 1st Place in Introduction to Public Speaking: Richie Sutliff;
● 2nd Place in Word-processing: Casey Madeen
● 4th Place in Business Law: Elizabeth Oltmanns
● 5th Place in Computer Problem Solving: Mitch Guerrero
● 8th Place in Introduction to Public Speaking: Tyler Kubiszewski
Elizabeth Oltmanns and Casey Madeen also participated in the Battle of the Chapters where Elizabeth Oltmanns finished in the top five.
“We are so proud of our members. It takes a lot of courage and strength to stand in front of professional judges and present. It is not easy, yet all of these members did just that! I think all of us advisers are amazed at what these students accomplished this weekend. This is the best we have done since we were founded three years ago,” stated Cathie Murphy, another FBLA adviser. “This year, we have had exceptional leadership from our senior FBLA officers, Misael Guerrero, Nicole Bredeson and Elizabeth Oltmanns. They have definitely made a difference in the direction of FBLA.”
For more information on how you can become involved in FBLA, contact any FBLA member or contact Ryan Read ([email protected]), Mrs. Tammy Pierson ([email protected]) or Cathie Murphy ([email protected]). A special thank you also goes out to our FBLA Executive Board for their support and encouragement.
Congratulations to all Stillman’s FBLA members who participated and competed.