FBLA Competitors Compete at Chattanooga

FBLA is a club that offers academic competitions and leadership training to prepare students for jobs in business. They had the opportunity to visit Chattanooga, TN to participate in the state competition April 3-5. They had an amazing and productive time touring, competing and attending conferences. Competitors enjoyed riding a carousel, dancing at the dance party, walking around the city, making new friends, visiting a haunted hotel, singing on the bus ride, and much more. Congratulations to Lauren Gray for winning a Dr. Bill Raliff $500 scholarship at FBLA state competition. Kudos to Tania Roque Castro who placed in top eight advertising, Kaila Evans who placed fifth in business communications and Charlie Fitzgerald who placed top eight in journalism. Way to go Isabella Swanson and Lauren Gray for placing top eight in Hospitality and Event Management. Congratulations and well done to everyone who participated!

"This year's FBLA State Convention was bittersweet for me. I made lots of memories like cooking fettuccine from scratch in our hotel room, grabbing coffee with friends, listening to Carrie Underwood on the bus, and being surprised with a one-time scholarship for the East Tennessee Region. This was also a sad trip, as this was my final State Convention before I graduate. These last few years as a member, Secretary, and President of FBLA have been enriching and a great guideline for me, especially as I approach higher education. I believe the skill sets I have built and memories I have made with friends and my partner, Bella, will prove me well in the future. I cannot thank Bella enough for jumping headfirst into the business competition world with me, and showing me growth, fun, and just a bit of luck from her 'coin drop game' talent! FBLA has been a great experience for me and I hope others feel the same, for years to come!"

-Lauren Gray, president

"My favorite thing about the FBLA state competition was making multiple new memories with multiple new people. It was a blessing to meet everyone I did, not only students from my school, but also other FBLA members from different schools across Tennessee. Even if they don't see this, thank you to Knox, Gracie, Darrah, Zoe, and Katherine for letting me join yall's dance circle and giving me the blessing of meeting you all! To Destiny, Sara, Kayla, Kaydence, Tania, Caitlin, Charlie, Kaila, and Malachi thank you for the wonderful 2022-2023 FBLA state conference. You all are such a blessing and will do amazing things in the future. To my partner Lauren, thank you so much for everything you've done for me. You have no idea how much you and everything you've done for me will truly leave a mark on me. I know you will do amazing things and I can't wait to see how well you do in the future.” -Isabella Swanson, vice president

"FBLA was an honor to do, it gives us students a chance to learn new leadership skills, and make new friends!" -Malachi Young

"I can't say how much this FBLA means to me. I enjoyed meeting new people around Tennessee. I enjoyed getting to know my fellow FBLA group more. I will miss Lauren Gray I'm glad we've gotten closer." -Sara Jarnigan

This year's FBLA conference was an amazing experience. I made tons of memories with my friends. During this conference I met so many new people, and got to experience going and touring the city, making fettuccine in our room, biking the city, and singing our hearts out to Carrie Underwood on the bus. I was proud and surprised when I placed top eight in the advertising category, and I was so proud of all my friends who placed and participated. As much fun as this trip was, there was also some sadness to it as my former friend, Lauren Gray, had competed in her last and final FBLA State Competition with us. Lauren has inspired me and pushed me to believe in myself and go outside my comfort zone. I am proud of everything she has accomplished! I know she has a bright and amazing future ahead of her! I enjoyed every moment with my friends at this FBLA State Convention, and can't wait to compete again next year!

-Tania Roque Castro, secretary

Charlie Fitzgerald, Kaila Evans, Kaydence Howard, Kayla Apimwar, Caitlyn Jones, Sara Jarnigan, and Destiny Nichols

Mrs. Patrick, Malachi Young, Charlie Fitzgerald, Destiny Nichols, Isabella Swanson, Kaila Evans, Lauren Gray, Mrs. Whaley, Kayla Apimwar, Sara Jarnigan, Kaydence Howard, Tania Roque Castro, and Caitlyn Jones

Tania Roque Castro placing top eight

Kaila Evans, Charlie Fitzgerald, Tania Roque Castro, Caitlyn Jones, Kaydence Howard, Mrs. Whaley, Sara Jarnigan, Lauren Gray, Kayla Apimwar, Isabella Swanson, Malachi Young, and Destiny Nichols

Kaila Evans placing fifth

Charlie Fitzgerald placing top eight

Lauren Gray and Isabella Swanson placing top eight in Hospitality and Event Management