News Summary
Students from Arkadelphia showcased their talent at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, achieving remarkable results in competitions and receiving recognition for their skills. With an impressive turnout and valuable workshops, the event provided a platform for learning, networking, and inspiration. Noteworthy achievements included 8th place in the Local Chapter Annual Business Report event and a 2nd place award for incorporating American Sign Language in a presentation. Arkadelphia High School was honored as a High School National Champion Chapter, highlighting the accomplishments of its students.
Arkadelphia Students Shine at National FBLA Conference in Anaheim, California
In a spectacular turn of events, students from the charming city of Arkadelphia made quite a splash at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC) held from June 29 to July 2, 2025, in sunny Anaheim, California. The event was nothing short of impressive, boasting participation from over 16,000 middle and high school students, along with countless educators and enthusiastic volunteers from across the nation.
This year, around 11,000 students from more than 2,000 schools in 48 U.S. states and territories showed up to take part in a whopping 100 business-related events. Talk about competition! With cash prizes exceeding $120,000 awarded throughout the thrilling contests, the stakes were high, but so were the spirits of all participants.
Avenue for Learning and Growth
The NLC was not just about competition; it served as an outstanding opportunity for students to learn and hone their skills. Attendees enjoyed more than 120 engaging workshops designed to sharpen their business acumen, equipping future leaders with vital knowledge. To add even more excitement to the event, representatives from over 260 colleges, universities, and employers were present, including some big names like the Alzheimer’s Association and PNC Bank Student Lending. Even the U.S. Armed Forces had a footprint there!
Inspiration from a Trailblazer
As if that wasn’t enough, the event also featured an inspiring keynote speaker, Karissa Bodnar, a proud FBLA alumna and the visionary Founder & CEO of Thrive Causemetics. She shared her entrepreneurial journey, igniting the fires of ambition in students and encouraging them to chase their dreams wholeheartedly.
Arkadelphia’s Stellar Performances
Students from Arkadelphia High School and Goza Middle School truly showcased their talents in various competitions. Notably, the high school duo, Brylee Russey and Jadyn Thompson, scored an impressive 8th place in the Local Chapter Annual Business Report event, demonstrating their dedication and hard work. In another shining achievement, Giselle Marroquin snagged the 2nd place in the FBLA Mission & Pledge event, where she uniquely incorporated American Sign Language into her presentation, earning herself a well-deserved $400 award.
Arkadelphia High School was rightly recognized as a High School National Champion Chapter, ranking a commendable 10th among 1,098 competing chapters that earned gold, silver, or bronze status. The FBLA Champion Chapter program highlights local chapters that excel in membership recruitment and engagement, showcasing Arkadelphia as a beacon of success.
Recognizing the Efforts
The driving force behind these remarkable achievements, FBLA Adviser Ashley Wesley expressed immense pride in her students. Their hard work, leadership, and unwavering dedication have fostered a vibrant learning environment for budding business leaders.
FBLA President & CEO Jennifer Woods emphasized the essential skills that these bright young minds exhibited, marking them as pivotal players in shaping the future workforce. With such skills, these dedicated students are truly ambassadors for not only their school but also their local community and the state as a whole.
An Impressive Group
The Arkadelphia High School contingent included the likes of Caiden Dickerson, Trace Young, Christian Hunter, Anabelle Davis, Eden Heard, Carly Martin, Raena Wheeler, and many more, all eager to make a mark at the conference. Goza Middle School was also represented proudly by students such as Tiana Berry, Giselle Marroquin, and Anakaye Wilson, ensuring that the younger generation showcased their potential on this grand platform.
In conclusion, the National FBLA Conference in Anaheim was undoubtedly a thriving hub of talent, ambition, and learning. With the achievements of Arkadelphia’s students shining bright, the future looks promising for these young leaders as they continue to dream big and strive for greatness.
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Additional Resources
- Arkadelphian: FBLA National Leadership Conference
- Wikipedia: Future Business Leaders of America
- Arkadelphian: Summer Cereal Drive 2025
- Google Search: Business Leadership Events
- Arkadelphian: National Historic Marker Weekend
- Google Scholar: FBLA Competitions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Education
- Google News: Arkadelphia Students FBLA
