LHS students attend FBLA National Leadership Conference
Photos submitted
Travis Jones showed students Timothy Norris and Sadie Hutsell and FBLA adviser Mrs. Stacie Hutsell around Deckers Brands, in Goleta, Calif.
By Adviser Stacie Hutsell
Timothy Norris, Sadie Hutsell, and adviser, Mrs. Stacie Hutsell, from Licking R-8 High School, tested and participated in events at Future Business Leaders of America, Inc.’s (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC). Missouri competitors were required to stay in the Hilton Anaheim and participated in events held in the Anaheim Convention Center. Timothy Norris, from Licking High School, competed in Supply Chain Management at FBLA NLC. The event, held in Anaheim, California, from June 29 to July 2, attracted more than 15,000 middle school and high school students, educators, and volunteers from across the country. The NLC provides education, competition, and networking opportunities centered on business.
Nearly 11,000 students from more than 2,000 middle schools and high schools in 48 U.S. states and territories competed in 100 business-related events for cash prizes totaling over $120,000. Students also had the opportunity to engage in over 120 learning workshops and meet with representatives from more than 260 colleges, universities, and employers, including Alzheimer’s Association, BusinessU, CLA, Empowerly, FICO, Funds2Orgs, Jostens, Kendra Scott, Men’s Wearhouse, UWorld, MBA Research, National Retail Federation, National Technical Honor Society, PNC Bank Student Lending, TKS Worldwide, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Coast Guard.
Additionally, students heard from keynote speaker and proud FBLA alumna Karissa Bodnar, Founder and CEO of Thrive Causemetics and Bigger Than Beauty Skincare. In a live onstage conversation with FBLA President & CEO Jennifer Woods, Bodnar shared her journey from high school entrepreneur to leading a globally recognized beauty brand rooted in social impact. Her story inspired students to pursue their passions, embrace innovation and lead with purpose.
Timothy, Sadie and Mrs. Hutsell flew into Orange County late Saturday night and attended the Missouri meeting, and gathered registration materials on Sunday morning. Sunday they explored Disneyland California Adventure Park before heading to Opening Session.
Monday, the attendees explored booths in the Expo such as the FBLA Marketplace, The United States Academic Esports League, Fidelity Youth, Business U, My Options Encourage, National Technical Honor Society, Arts colleges, Alzheimer’s Association, Teens Teach Tech, and Prequel. Participants attended workshops (Innovation Workshop: Exploring the Business of Tomorrow and Teens Teach Tech: Service Learning & Fundraising, Connecting Generations) before Mrs. Hutsell worked with other Missouri advisers and the world’s top Public Speakers and Timothy tested in his objective event, Supply Chain Management. They rounded out the evening with a trip to Huntington Beach.
Tuesday, the attendees attended Prequel’s Find Your Standout Factor: Craft your College Narrative workshop before Timothy and Sadie tested for their A*S*K certifications. Timothy earned both of his certifications this year for Fundamentals of Ethics and Fundamental Business Concepts before they took a drive to see more coastal communities and visit Crystal Cove State Park.
Timothy Norris earned certifications for Fundamentals of Ethics and Fundamental Business Concepts at the conference.
Timothy Norris and Sadie Hutsell both tested for A*S*K certifications and attended workshops at the conference.
