FBLA Attends State Conference
by Juli Murphy
May 13, 2008
The Ainsworth FBLA chapter attended the Nebraska State FBLA Conference in Omaha on April 2-5, 2008. Thirteen students were able to attend the conference this year, including seniors: Lane C, Savannah H, Katie J & Kyle K; juniors: Seth D, Gina I, Kayla L & Michael S; sophomores: Kayla K, Kirsten P & Danielle T and freshman: Ashley M. Chapter Adviser, Juli Murphy and chaparones Kathy Klammer, Carolyn Johnson & Bryan Murphy accompanied the students.
Over 1,800 students from accross the state participated in this year's conference. The conference is not just about attending business meetings and taking tests but about meeting people from all over the state. At the conference, FBLA members competed in a variety of business-related tests, ranging from basic keyboarding to advanced programming. Also there were different kinds of seminars or workshops for students to attend when they were not involved in competitive events.
At the end of the conference there was an awards program. Placement awards were given to the top eight individuals in most categories; other individuals who placed in the top 5 percent received honorable mention certificates. Students from the Ainsworth FBLA Chapter that were recognized for their efforts are as follows:
- Desktop Publishing - 7th place - Lane C & Kyle K
- Cyber Security - Honorable Mention - Lane C
- Cyber Security - Honorable Mention - Kyle K
- Job Interview - Honorable Mention - Lane C
- Proofreading - Honorable Mention - Danielle T
This year we also had an Ainsworth student run for state office. Kayla L ran for FBLA State Treasurer. Even though Kayla didn't get elected, this was a great experience for the entire chapter. The students came together to get the promotional items put together and then worked at the campaign booth at SLC.
FBLA is a national vocational student association for students in grades 9 - 12 who are interested in business or business education careers. Benefits of FBLA membership are business proficiencies, community responsibility, leadership skills, and self-confidence.
Any secondary student in grades 9 - 12 who is interested in a career in business and has taken or is currently enrolled in at least one business course is eligible to join. FBLA activities include: beginning of the school year ice cream social, halloween carnival for the elementary students, guest speakers at meetings, business meetings, fundraisers (such as candle sales & bulldog sweatshirt sales), adopt-a-hiway trash pickup, running the concession stand and group activities. At Ainsworth High School, our FBLA tries to have at least one activity each month.
