News Summary
Students from Harmony Grove High School showcased their talents at the Future Business Leaders of America National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California. The event featured over 15,000 participants and included fierce competitions among nearly 11,000 students. The standout participants, seventh grader Jordan Waters and eighth grader Cameron Lewis, excelled in the Middle School Video Game Challenge, finishing 5th out of 49 teams. Their historic achievement marks the first time students from Harmony Grove have competed at this national level, highlighting their dedication to business leadership.
Harmony Grove High School Students Shine at National Conference
In an inspiring showcase of talent and dedication, students from Harmony Grove High School took center stage at the recent Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC) held in sunny Anaheim, California, from June 29 to July 2, 2025. This year’s event saw an impressive turnout with over 15,000 participants, including enthusiastic middle and high school students, passionate educators, and dedicated volunteers from across the nation.
A Thriving Competition
The competition was fierce, with nearly 11,000 students representing over 2,000 middle schools and high schools from 48 states and territories vying for top honors in 100 business-related events. The total prize pool exceeded a whopping $120,000, making it not just a learning opportunity, but a potentially rewarding experience for all involved.
Aside from the high-stakes competitions, attendees were treated to more than 120 enlightening learning workshops, designed to enhance their business acumen and leadership skills. Students also had the invaluable opportunity to network with representatives from over 260 colleges, universities, and employers. Renowned organizations such as the U.S. Air Force and National Retail Federation were there to engage with the aspiring business leaders of tomorrow.
Inspiration and Innovation
A highlight of the event was the keynote address given by Karissa Bodnar, founder and CEO of Thrive Causemetics and Bigger Than Beauty Skincare. Her journey as an entrepreneur served as a motivating force, inspiring students to pursue their own dreams and ambitions in the business world.
Middle School Triumph
Among the remarkable talents representing Harmony Grove were seventh grader Jordan Waters and eighth grader Cameron Lewis, who participated in the Middle School Video Game Challenge at the NLC. They showcased their creativity and technical skills by designing, coding, and presenting their original video game. The duo faced tough competition, but their hard work paid off as they advanced to the top 12 out of 49 teams. Their efforts were recognized on the national stage as they finished a remarkable 5th place overall among the best of the best.
Making History
This year marked a historic moment for Harmony Grove, as these talented middle schoolers became the first students from their school to compete at the national level in FBLA history. Their achievements underscored the commitment and passion that these young leaders possess for the business world.
A Community of Future Leaders
The FBLA organization, which is a nonprofit educational initiative with over 200,000 members globally, strives to prepare students for leadership roles with a focus on community-minded principles in a diverse and ever-changing global society. Their headquarters can be found in Reston, Virginia, but the impact of their programming reaches far and wide, as evidenced by the exceptional talent displayed at the NLC.
Looking to the Future
As the conference came to a close, the sense of pride and accomplishment was palpable among all participants and supporters. The Harmony Grove students, with their outstanding performance and historic participation, represent a bright future not just for their school, but for the business community as a whole. As these young leaders return home, they carry with them not only the accolades they have earned but also a wealth of knowledge and a network of connections that will undoubtedly serve them well in their future endeavors.
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Additional Resources
- Camden Ark News: Harmony Grove High School Students Win 5th Place
- Wikipedia: Future Business Leaders of America
- Aurora News Register: Aurora FBLA Members Compete Finishing Top 10 Nationals
- Google Search: Business Leadership Competitions
- Camden Ark News: Camden Fairview Senior Darrell Juney Atkins Jr.
- Google Scholar: Business Leadership Development
- The Sun Papers: Milestones at Lenape
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Leadership
- Tuscaloosa News: School News 3/10
- Google News: FBLA National Conference
Author: STAFF HERE ANAHEIM
The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
