Local students from Fair Grove High School demonstrated exceptional business skills and leadership competing at FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) districts on February 4th and 6th, 2025.
In DECA, Skyelar Farthing (10), Addison Voorhis (10), and Kynlee Peck (10), qualified for ICDC (International Career Development Conference) in Orlando, Florida. Cinch Dowling (9) and Alexis Lepold (9) qualified for state as a group. In FBLA, 19 students qualified for state, which will be held in Springfield, Missouri.
FBLA and DECA students have put a lot of time and effort into preparation for the district competitions. Cayse Overstreet, advisor of FBLA and DECA stated, “We prepare for events in the classroom, advisory time and before/after school.” She continued, “Students use that time to practice presentations, work on projects, and study for texts, depending on their even type.”
FBLA students took top honors at districts, impressing judges with their innovative ideas and thorough presentations. Meanwhile DECA students excelled in the retail management category, demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills in merchandising and customer service.
The District competition was not only a big opportunity but a chance to learn valuable skills in marketing and the overall world of business.
Overstreet stated, “Competing in FBLA District level gives high school students an opportunity to professionally apply what they learn in the classroom to the real world through projects, presentations, and assessments.”
Palin Lentz (9), who participated in Website Design at FBLA districts explained, “I have learned that it is not hard to speak in front of people and that you just have to be confident in yourself.”
Emma Padgett (12), who competed in Digital Video Production at FBLA districts, explained, “Me and my group learned time management in preparation for districts. For example, knowing when to start practicing for our presentation that way we don’t put too much stress on it but also gives us enough time to make it where we’re confident about the subject we’re presenting.
She continued, “Teamwork was also a big thing. Working in a group everyone has their strong suits and we were able to piece together all of ours to make a good flowing group where we were all confident in each other’s abilities.”
The official results list form the competition, provided by Overstreet, is seen below.
“FBLA Districts 2025:
19 students qualified for state and 4 teams placed 1st! Congrats to all of competitors!!!
1st – Palin Lentz & Anika Nyberg – Website Design
1st – Nolen Geitz – Job Interview
1st – Spensar Seiger & Kellan Kirkpatrick – International Business
1st – Emma Padgett, Soffee Garrett, Zoe Cribbs – Digital Video Production
2nd – Dylan George, Carson Trussell, Atticus Brandes – Entrepreneurship
2nd – Keira Sadler – Banking and Financial Systems
2nd – Ryanne Crutcher – Help Desk
3rd – Addyson Nunley – Advertising
3rd – Aubrie Voorhis – Client Services
3rd – Carley Lepold – Public Policy & Advocacy
3rd – Marketing – Skyelar Farthing & Londyn Beltz
3rd – Jaxen Brashears – Computer Problem Solving
4th – Aubrie Voorhis, Jackson Austin, Adam Love – Visual Design
4th – Payton Gann – Supply Chain Management
4th – Kynlee Peck – Intro to Marketing Concepts
4th – Lyla Bell & Madi Morris – Intro to Social Media Strategy
4th – Brenden Riddle, CJ Leif, Christian Wilson – Business Management
5th – Nolen Geitz, Haylee Potter, Nolen Geitz – Graphic Design
5th – Wes Buescher – Agribusiness
5th – Brenna Boatwright, Leila Huff, Hali Stokes – Hospitality and Event Mgt
DECA Districts 2025:
School-Based Enterprise Certification – Kynlee Peck & Addison Voorhis – Gold Level Certification *Straight to Internationals in Orlando!*
Leadership Delegate – Skyelar Farthing – 2nd *Straight to Internationals in Orlando!*
Travel & Tourism Team Decision Making – Cinch Dowling & Alexis Lepold – 3rd *Headed to State!
Hospitality & Tourism Team Decision Making – Addyson Nunley & Leila Huff – 4th
Community Giving Project – Brylee Mallard & Aislynn Starks – 4th”
