Ten members of the Rugby Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter at Rugby High School attended the 55th annual North Dakota FBLA State Leadership Conference/Competition from March 27 – 29. Over 60 FBLA chapters from across the state participated, connecting approximately 900 middle and high school students to test business skills against their peers from around the state.

The most exciting aspect of the conference is the competitive events program. Students have the opportunity to test the business skills they’ve learned in the classroom in a variety of individual, team, and chapter events. Students can enter events such as accounting, computer applications, cyber security, health care administration, etc. The culmination of the competitive events program is the awards ceremony where winners are recognized for their accomplishments. In addition to the competitive events program, students had the opportunity to attend workshops, vote for the 2022-23 state officer team, and network with members from around the state. This year, members also had the opportunity to hear from keynote speaker, Amberley Snyder, with her keynote, “There is no future in giving up,” about overcoming adversity.

This was a very special year for Rugby FBLA. This was their first competition, and their first year in FBLA. Advisors Lori Wangler and Paola Trottier are proud of the hard work that went into this past year.

Middle schooler Tambrey Brossart placed first in digital citizenship, earning a spot at the FBLA National Conference, to be held in Chicago from June 28 – July 2. Brossart also earned second place in the business etiquette competition. Also headed to nationals is Madeline Hurly, who earned first place in the exploring technology competition, and third place winners Olivia Belisle, leadership, and Hannah Musser, for interpersonal communication.

Middle school student Kenley Heilman took third place in the interpersonal communication competition.

At the high school level, Leah Shepard took 10th place in the cybersecurity competition.

FBLA is a professional organization for students interested in pursuing business careers. This year’s theme “Success Starts Here” reflects the goals of FBLA members, some of the best and brightest of today’s young people. The mission of FBLA-PBL is to inspire and prepare students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. To learn more, visit FBLA’s website at www.fbla-pbl.org, ND FBLA’s website at www.nd-fbla.org or visit us on Facebook at ND FBLA or Instagram at northdakotafbla.