Red Bay High School Future Business Leaders of America participate at their state competition.

By Brandi Miller

For the FCT

The Red Bay High School Future Business Leaders of America recently traveled to Birmingham to participate in the FBLA state competition. The purpose of the competition is to allow students to compete in several different events, demonstrating all the skills they have learned throughout the course of the school year. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Personal Finance, Accounting and FBLA principles and procedures are a few examples of what students competed in at the event.

RBHS FBLA teacher Sarah Hardin said students study and practice several weeks in advance, preparing to compete with the other 2,500 students from across the state.

“I was extremely satisfied with all the students who attended the FBLA state competition and leadership conference,” said Hardin.  “The students were outstanding, and each student represented RBHS in a professional and respectful manner.”

Upon arrival, the students began participating in the objective test. The next day, competitors were involved in leadership ceremony, divided up based on the events. Later that same day, competitors attended an opening session that lasted until 9:30 p.m.

“We were able to experience several different meetings,” said sophomore Abby Montgomery. “There were speakers that spoke to us on several different topics related to careers including job interviews, appropriate dress and conduct.”

FBLA is a popular organization on campus, and most students find that the information they learn in high school FBLA carries over to their real world life after graduation.

“I learned about business and how to apply it to everyday life,” said sophomore Elizabeth Markham. “I now know how to be successful in the business world and work with others.”

This event would not be possible for these students to participate in without help. Many hours are usually spent in preparation, and a great deal of work often goes on behind the scenes that no one is aware of. Hardin thanked everyone who helped her make this trip possible.

The FBLA officers who attended the trip were Brooklyn Bolton, Montgomery, Kelly Miller, Abbey Jones, Markham, Paige Hester, Anna Wilemon, Reagan Kuykendall, Emma Russell and Sydney Hardin.