Several students involved in Fair Grove’s FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) program competed in state competitions at MSU (Missouri State University). Students participated in a variety of events under the guidance of FBLA sponsors and Fair Grove teachers Jalen Supancic and Casye Overstreet.
Of those who competed at state, several students were able to place in their individual events: Lentz, Nyberg, Crutcher, Mallard, Nunley, and Starks all performed well and earned recognition for their efforts.
Lentz and Nyberg also competed together as a team in Website Design. They placed eighth out of 30 teams and were then offered the opportunity to attend nationals in California. The girls decided to turn down the offer but expressed their excitement with being given the opportunity.
A significant number of students qualified to compete at the State Leadership Conference. Among the qualifiers were freshmen Palin Lentz, Anika Nyberg, and Cinche Dowling; sophomores Ryanne Crutcher, Kynlee Peck, and Brylee Mallard; juniors Sofee Garrett, Dylan George, Carson Trussell, Keira Sadler, Addyson Nunley, Payton Gann, Wes Buescher, Carley Lepold, and Aislynn Starks; and finally seniors Nolen Geitz, Spensar Seiger, Kellan Kirkpatrick, Emma Padgett, Zoe Cribbs, and Atticus Brandes.
Nunley attended the state competition for her third year in row placing first in the Future Business Educator event. This achievement however, did not come without hard work and effort. Nunley shared, “I spent the last three or four months completely dedicated to creating my lesson plan, my slideshow, gathering my materials, and practicing teaching my lesson within a seven minute time frame.”
In addition after receiving feedback during her preliminary competition, Nunley also had to quickly make adjustments to her presentation just minutes before her final round. Despite the challenges faced however, Nunley still shared, “FBLA has shown me what time management looks like and how to lead effectively. I learned how much I love public speaking and how much I enjoy having a leadership role in something that I am so passionate about.”
Along with competing in their specified events, the students were also given lots of different and exciting opportunities like exploring a career fair, attending workshops, listening to presentations from state FBLA officers, and much more. Nunley shared, “Getting to talk with colleges and companies and having the opportunity to network isn’t something you can find anywhere.”
Nyberg shared some of the benefits of being a part of FBLA, “Before this year I probably wouldn’t have been able to speak in front of people. FBLA has given me more confidence… and I have gained a lot of friendships. It’s a great way to be involved, and to just have a great time with great people.”
