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Education notebook: EV, Freeman FBLA members compete at 2019 national conference

From left: Josh Strebeck and Grace Smith, both of East Valley; Johnny McGuire, Sage Aldendorf, Masha Stuart, adviser Scott Moore and Bailey Coumont, all of Freeman; and East Valley adviser Bret Kiefer are photographed at the 2019 National FBLA Leadership Conference in San Antonio. (Scott Moore / Courtesy photo)
From local reports

The Future Business Leaders of America members from East Valley and Freeman competed in the 2019 National FBLA Leadership Conference in San Antonio.

The conference gathered over 12,000 students from across the U.S. and Canada for the competion after first qualifying for state by finishing in the top six in regionals, and then finishing in the top four at the state leadership conference in April in Bellevue.

The Freeman Scotties were represented by seniors Sage Aldendorf and Johnny McGuire, who teamed with junior Bailey Coumont, and competed in Public Service Announcement. Freeman sophomore Masha Stuart competed in Introduction to Public Speaking.

The East Valley Knights were represented by senior Josh Strebeck, competing in Help Desk, and junior Grace Smith, who competed in Management Information Systems.

“All six members performed admirably in their competitions and truly represented their chapters, their individual schools, and Washington state in an outstanding manner,” Freeman FBLA adviser Scott Moore said in a news release.

Qualifying for nationals is a feat in itself. Only 2% of all FBLA members earn the opportunity to compete at the national conference.

Although it was a lot of hard work to make it to nationals, the conference wasn’t all work, no play. The students, along with advisers Bret Kiefer of East Valley and Moore, found some time to enjoy the area. In addition to competing and having the opportunity to attend seminars and educational workshops, the group took the time to visit several sites. They visited the Alamo and Riverwalk, Six Flags, racing cars at Mario Andretti Racing Experience and skydiving in a simulation at iFly.

“FBLA provides a great learning opportunity for our students,” Moore said in the release. “It gives students a way to get involved and build self-esteem while developing leadership and communication skills in a fun and exciting environment. FBLA promotes competitive spirit as it teaches students about the essential components of business.”

There are over 12,000 chapters of FBLA, including students from the United States, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Guam, the Cayman Islands and China. Washington entered numerous students in competitions with a number of them placing in the top 10 in various events. This year’s national theme, “Elevate Your Future,” reflected the goals of FBLA members.

FBLA is the premier organization for students preparing for careers in business. The mission of FBLA is to integrate business and education through innovative leadership and career development programs. Members gain the competitive edge for college and career successes by attending conferences and competing in various areas in business.