Through February 6-8 2025, the Bel Air Branch of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) attended the Maryland State Future Leaders of America Conference. According to https://mdfblaslc25.sched.com/ this event is, “designed as an educational conference that includes competitive events, leadership development activities, career awareness programs, business meetings, and general sessions.”
The three days were packed with activities to participate in. A few that catches the eye include: ‘Public Speaking Madlibs: Fun, Fast, and Fearless Communication Practice,’ ‘Know Your ABC’s = Always Be Clear! (Authenticity),’ ‘Shark Tank – FBLA Edition: Pitch Your Business Ideas and Win Big,’ and ‘How to Start the Next Facebook.’
For the competitions, each person stands in front of one or two judges. The presentations consist of different forms depending on the category. BAHS did extremely well in the competition.
In the National Qualifying Events, the top four competitors of the state qualify to advance in their competitive event at the National Leadership Conference.
The following students competed and qualified to move on to the National FBLA Conference in Anaheim, California, hosted at the end of June: Julia Beyers, 1st place, Broadcast Journalism; Eleanor Kansler and Audrey Lucas, 4th place, Graphic Design; Breanna Moucheron, 2nd place, Public Service Announcement; Jack Schubert, 4th place, Introduction to Business Concepts.
The following students are alternates to the National Conference if the competitors placed higher are unable to attend: Carolynn Lowry, 8th place, Accounting I; Brooke Conger, 5th place, Business Management; Ashley Kirk, Emma Kraus, and Emilyn Ryan, 7th place, Introduction to Social Media Strategy; Ava Paulat and Brooklyn Szewczyk, 7th place, Introduction to Social Media Strategy; Sophia Powell, 8th place, Public Speaking.
Mrs. Deanna Smith, Advisor to the BAHS branch of FBLA, delightedly expressed, “All of these students should be so proud of themselves for taking a chance, stepping out of their comfort zone, and having the honor and privilege of competing at states! So incredibly proud of their professionalism and accomplishment!”
“It’s pretty surreal,” claimed Julia Beyers, “I hope that me and the others from Bel Air [High School] can go to California.”