Article contributed by Jonathan W. Gipson, Magazine Schools Media Relations
MAGAZINE – Magazine High School’s Future Business Leaders of America Chapter reaped the rewards of its members’ hard work and preparation on Thursday (Feb.8) with 14 students earning 12 awards and two members being voted into district-level leadership roles at the District I Spring Conference in Fort Smith.
Twenty-six students attended the Spring Conference with students earning awards in various areas of academic and skill competitions, including four first-place performances.
Carissa Webster finished first in Marketing Concepts, Everlee Chappell finished first in Learning Strategies, Anberlyn Turley finished first in Financial Literacy and Madison Kilgore in Career Exploration.
“I am so proud of these amazing kids,” Magazine High School Business Teacher and FBLA Sponsor Brad Smith said. “Qualifying for state is one thing, but the fact that we had four kids get first place in their event was very impressive.”
Tempiest Dickens finished second in Accounting, and Phoebe Hopper finished second in Intro to Public Speaking. Alyssa Morris finished third in Cyber Security, and the team of Abby Crandall, Daniel Green and Bryson Smith finished third in Sports and Entertainment Management.
Kauree Bennett finished fourth in Impromptu Speaking, and Aura Turner finished fourth in Leadership. Elizabeth Duvall finished fifth in Business Communications, and Zoey Thurman finished sixth in UX Design.
“Early in the school year, the students decide on what event they want to compete in,” Smith explained. “Once they have decided, they have to go to work studying for objective tests or practicing for their live performances at the conference.”
Magazine’s FBLA Chapter will have two of its own in a district leadership position for the upcoming school year. Morris was elected as District I Vice President, and Bennett was elected District I Treasurer.
“Having a student represent their school by being a district officer is huge. The students aren’t just competing in an event, they are actively taking part in Future Business Leaders of America in all that it entails,” Smith said.
“All District Presidents are State Vice Presidents by default. Alyssa is primed and ready to run for District I President/State Vice President next school year. This year’s newly elected District President was actually the District Vice President last year. I like Alyssa’s chances for next year.”
All award winners qualified for the Arkansas FBLA State Convention on April 29-30 in Little Rock.
