The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) senior team competed in the District 4 competition on Jan.28. Senior Aleesa Hill advanced to State in Business Communication and Impromptu speaking. Senior Nicole Overbay also advanced to State. Seniors Truman Gouldsmith and Kyrsten Steffens placed fifth in the Public Service Announcement division. Steffens also placed fifth in the Personal Finance Division. Head of the FBLA and business teacher Ms. Sarah McIntyre thinks that the team had a great season and each member has made successful accomplishments.

“All of our competitors were incredibly successful at our district competition,” Ms. McIntyre said in an email. “Each individual and team placed at least within the top 5 from a large number of schools and other competitors and two individuals advanced to state in April, Aleesa Hill and Nicole Overbay.”

FBLA helps with aspects of communication, leadership, and other character traits that people have to use in professional environments. Hill enjoys competing in FBLA and was pleased with her District performance.

“It was pretty exciting to advance,” Hill said in an email. “Last year I came really close but didn’t get to move on, so it feels good to have improved enough to make it forward this year.”

In the FBLA competitions, the teams have to maintain a professional mindset just as if they were at an interview or a place of work. Gouldsmith likes the competitions because they give him a chance to act out having a business manor.

“When I was competing, I felt amazing,” Gouldsmith said in an email. “ I absolutely love taking on a professional attitude and it helps calm the inevitable nerves that come with competing”

The FBLA State competition is scheduled to take place from April 19-21 in Springfield, Missouri. The team is working on fundraising and are hosting a Culver’s Night at the Independence location on April 7 from 5-8 pm. These events are subject to change based on the Center for Disease Control’s and the US Federal Government’s updated guidelines for social distancing and public events.