The Tyrone FBLA chapter stuck to the state theme of Building Bridges to Success, meeting other FBLA members and exploring the sweetest place on Earth, Hershey, Pennsylvania, at the annual Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference on April 8th and 9th.
Eight members from the Tyrone FBLA chapter attended the conference, competing in various events, including public speaking, business presentations, and financial analysis.
The members in attendance were Lydia Meredith, Paige Carper, Carlie Nowlin, Drew Escala, Logan Harpster, Logan Rumberger, Tyke Beck, and Clark Tuskovich.
The competitions allowed students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the business world while also learning from others in the field.
The members also participated in leadership workshops, where they honed their teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.
These workshops were designed to equip students with tools they need to succeed. One of the highlights of the conference was a networking event where students had the chance to meet with business leaders, alumni, and professionals from a variety of industries, gaining valuable insight into the real-world business environment.
Senior Logan Rumberger explained why this experience was so valuable.
“My first FBLA state convention was an unforgettable experience. I felt a mix of excitement and nerves while competing, but it was amazing to connect with so many individuals who had the same goals as me. I wish I had joined FBLA sooner, as it’s an amazing club. I think I could have performed better, but I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Rumberger said.
Competitors also prepared their presentations, and two of the three teams made it to the final round of their event. This reflects the hard work, dedication, and creativity that each team put into their project. The final round was highly anticipated as months of research and preparation were put into showcasing their knowledge and ability to think on their feet and adapt under pressure.
Competitors included Paige Carper and Lydia Meredith in Broadcasting Journalism, Tyke Beck and Clark Tuskovich in Computer Game and Simulation Programming, Logan Rumberger in Social Media Strategies, Drew Escala in Marketing, and Logan Harpster in Sports and Entertainment Management.
The teams who advanced to the final round faced stiff competition against the best teams in the state. Despite the challenging environment, the teams displayed exceptional skill, presenting their ideas with confidence and clarity. Their presentations stood out for their innovation and depth, capturing the attention of the judges and audience alike.
Chapter President Paige Carper is proud of what she and her fellow FBLA members have accomplished.
“When Lydia and I found out we made it to the final round, we couldn’t be happier. We stayed up until midnight making preparations. Sadly, we didn’t achieve our goal of making it to Anaheim, California, but we placed in one the top 15 teams in the state with over 40 teams in our category. It’s a bummer we didn’t place but I’m still proud of the hard work we put into our project and we thank everyone who helped us make this possible,” said Carper.
Two of the eight members were also selected as voting delegates, allowing them to engage with the campaigns of the State Officer Candidates. These delegates had the chance to visit the various campaign booths, listen to speeches, and interact with the candidates to get a deeper understanding of their platforms and goals. After thoroughly evaluating each candidate’s vision for the upcoming year, the delegates cast their votes to decide on the 2025-2026 State Officer Team.
