Champaign Students to Compete at National FBLA Conference

News Summary

Students from Champaign Central and Centennial High Schools are preparing for the National Leadership Conference in California at the end of August 2025. With various competitions in business and marketing, student participants have been actively fundraising for their travel costs. The conference will emphasize personal growth and networking, with students eager to showcase their skills and connect with peers from across the country.

Champaign, Illinois — The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) clubs from Champaign Central and Centennial High Schools are set to participate in the National Leadership Conference in California, scheduled for the end of August 2025. This significant event will showcase the business and marketing skills of high school students from across the nation.

Teachers Eric Fagerlin and Farrah Tuttle from Champaign Central High School will accompany Eric Springer from Centennial High School, as they oversee the students during the conference. While not all members of the FBLA clubs will be competing, those who do engage in various events aimed at demonstrating their proficiency in business concepts and practices. Eric Fagerlin noted that participants often experience significant personal growth through their involvement in the competition.

Nathalee Abad from Centennial High School is gearing up for a roleplay event centered on sports and entertainment management, utilizing a study tool called Quizlet to enhance her preparation. Similarly, Priyam Banerjee is also focused on her entrepreneurship roleplay event, which will require her to effectively deliver a presentation shortly after receiving a prompt. Banerjee has been reviewing feedback from prior competitions and watching online roleplay videos as part of her preparation strategy.

Additionally, Matthew Philip and Sohum Gurrapu from Central High School have teamed up to work on a group presentation about their collaboration with a real business based in India. Meanwhile, Safa Thameem and Kennedy Borden from Centennial are producing a Public Service Announcement video on healthy workplace habits. Their hard work recently earned them fourth place at the state competition, highlighting their dedication and skill.

In another collaboration, Hannah Libman and Aanya Rangaiahgari are creating a social media campaign aimed at promoting a nonprofit organization. They have practiced their presentation with local business leaders and their advisers, further sharpening their skills for the upcoming conference.

The conference will also provide students with unique networking opportunities. Participants are eager to engage with peers from different states, allowing them to build connections and exchange ideas. Sohum Gurrapu expressed his excitement about traveling out of Illinois and the diverse experiences that he and his fellow students can expect during this event. Aanya Rangaiahgari, who previously secured a top ten finish at the conference, is particularly looking forward to the awards show, an event that celebrates the achievements of the contestants.

To facilitate their attendance at the conference, the FBLA clubs have been actively fundraising to cover travel costs estimated at around $1,500 per member. They are also seeking additional sponsorship from local businesses to support their endeavors. The teachers accompanying the students have plans for future events following the conference, ensuring that the educational opportunities available to these aspiring business leaders continue throughout the school year.

The National Leadership Conference represents a crucial milestone for these students, offering not only the chance to compete but also the opportunity for personal development and professional networking within the business community. As they prepare for this significant event, the members of the FBLA clubs from Champaign hope to demonstrate their capabilities and enthusiasm for the world of business.

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