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JS FBLA shines at leadership conference

JERSEY SHORE -- Eleven students from Jersey Shore Senior High's Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) travelled to Anaheim, Calif., for the National Leadership Conference in July. Five of them received national recognition at the FBLA Awards of Excellence Program.

The local group was among more than 9,600 of America's best and brightest high school students who traveled to this event to establish their own "Legacy of Leadership" as they competed with top future business leaders, showcased their talents, and expanded their networks as they participated in more than 70 business and technology related competitive events.

Jersey Shore students attending and their awards follow.

Ezekiel Miller placed fourth in the Networking Concepts event. This was an online test on networking terminology and concepts, operating systems, and network security. Ezekiel previously placed first in the state in order to advance to nationals. After Nationals, Zeke reflected on his experience. "The NLC is a fantastic place to meet other young professionals, see what the world is like outside of Jersey Shore, and obviously to compete on a national level. It is an extremely enjoyable and satisfying experience. Having gone twice during my four years of participation in FBLA, and having since started the transition to college life, I feel the NLC, in particular, has helped prepare me for the next several stages of my life."

The Network Design team of Connor Shade, Bailey Powell and Zach Young placed sixth in the nation. This team started off the conference by taking a collaborative written exam on networking and security concepts. They had to place in the top 16 of the nation in order to advance to the final round. During the final round, the entire team received a case study on designing a network for a business. In 20 minutes, the team had to design a plan that would best meet the networking needs of that business. This event required every team member to speak during the seven-minute presentation to the judges, followed by a question and answer period. This team previously placed second in the state in order to advance to the national conference.

"FBLA Nationals was an unforgettable experience. The variety of people I met there and the things I learned preparing for my competition will be with me for the rest of my life," Shade saud,

Annalise Eiswerth placed ninth in the Public Speaking event, which was a four-minute prepared speech that had to be of a business nature and had to be developed from one or more of the nine FBLA goals. Annalise previously placed third in the state in order to advance to nationals.

Of her experience, Annalise noted "the 2017 NLC was a wonderful opportunity and experience for me because I learned so much and acquired many new skills along the way. I also learned a great deal about myself and what I am capable of achieving. I am so proud to be a Jersey Shore FBLA member."

Maxwell Ferguson attended the National Conference serving in his newly elected position of Pa. FBLA vice president at large.

The remaining competitors from Jersey Shore FBLA were Beatrice Ferguson in Electronic Career Portfolio; the team of Jacob Butzler and Lance Welsh in Graphic Design; and the team of Pearl Patterson and Ella Simcox in the Publication Design event.

The awards Jersey Shore FBLA received were part of a comprehensive national competitive events program sponsored by FBLA-PBL that recognizes and rewards excellence in a broad range of business and career-related areas. For many students, the competitive events are the capstone activity of their academic careers. In addition to competitions, students immersed themselves in interactive workshops, visited an information-packed exhibit hall, and heard from motivational speakers on a broad range of business topics.