FBLA districts is near! The Future Business Leaders of America organization is holding a district competition at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri on February 14th. There are approximately 15-30 area schools that compete in the competition, whether it’s taking a test or presenting a topic in front of judges. Most students have been preparing for the competition since Thanksgiving break.
Meagan Holtmeyer, member of FBLA, mentioned, “I signed up for the health administration test and, honestly, I didn’t realize how much time it would take out of my day reviewing the flash cards I made and all the online material that we could study.”
Future Business Leaders of America is a business-based organization, so to play the part, you have to dress the part. As we know, at New Haven High School, the attire of most students is jeans and boots or sweatshirt and sweatpants. It's highly unlikely that you would see one of our students in a business suit. The average business suit you would see a high schooler wearing costs around $55-100. Pricey for some. Not to mention you still need a nice shirt and nicer shoes that aren’t boots or athletic shoes.
When we asked junior Ellie Westermeyer for her input on her business attire, she responded, “First I would like to say, I wish tennis shoes were acceptable! I had to buy black slacks and a blazer that cost around $60. I wear a nice pair of heels, but I’ve had them so long that by the end of the day, these puppies need to breathe!”
McKenzie Pecaut also commented, “When FBLA districts finally come around, I head straight to my sister's closet. She's an accountant and wears business clothes every day. I did have to buy my own shoes though, and they cost around $40.”
Students have the option of taking a competitive test over different subjects and topics. The FBLA club has about half of their members taking tests while the other half is in a performance event. Students that present in front of judges must feel comfortable public speaking and making sure they know their topics like the back of their hands. We wanted to get a couple of words from the members who will perform in front of the judges.
Lauren Hoerstkamp commented, “I love public speaking, so that is why I usually pick a performance event over taking a test. I make sure to memorize what I’m going to say, but I try not to sound like a robot at the same time. I also want to think about what questions the judges may ask me at the end of the presentation. Lots to think about and material to study over.”
Natalie Pecaut mentioned, “This year I’m doing a sales presentation, and my main goal is to really have the judges engaged on the product I’m selling. The judges will more than likely be asking me questions about the product, so I need to make sure I have all my information in order. Memorization is really one of the hardest parts for me so flashcards are currently my best friends!”
We wish the best of luck to all of our students attending the event!
Good luck, Shamrocks!