The Official Newspaper for Foster County

CHS students attend FBLA National Leadership Conference in Chicago

Twenty-three students of the Carrington Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter attended the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Chicago, Illinois, June 29 - July 2.

FBLA chapters from the United States, Puerto Rico, China and the U.S. Virgin Islands participated in this conference, where almost 13,000 students and advisers gathered, and students had the opportunity to test their business skills against other students.

The most exciting aspect of the conference is the competitive events program. Students have the opportunity to test the business skills they've learned in the classroom in a variety of individual, team, and chapter events. Students can enter events such as accounting, computer applications, public speaking, job interview, website development, or broadcast journalism.

The culmination of the competitive events program is the awards ceremony where winners are recognized for their accomplishments. In addition to the competitive events program, students had the opportunity to attend workshops, regional meetings, and elect a new national officer team.

The Carrington FBLA chapter had a successful conference where the chapter was recognized as a Gold Chapter and contributed to North Dakota receiving first place in the Business Achievement Awards (BAA). The twenty-three CHS students who competed were: Dawsyn Anderson, Isabella Garr, Rori Ricter, Emma Rindy, Grace Rindy, Lauren Skadberg, Allison Jarrett, Luke Page, Jack Paulson, Hudson Schmitz, Hudson Topp, Sophie Garr, Jake Otto, Kacie Rexin, Grady Shipman, Josh Bickett, Sierra Friedt, Edyn Hoornaert, Kendall Kovar, Kenadie Pazdernik, Juliet Davis, Molly Hansen, and Kelsi Neuman.

Molly Hansen, a freshman this year, received national recognition at the FBLA Awards of Excellence Program on July 1. Molly competed in the Financial Literacy objective test and brought home eighth place. This is an outstanding accomplishment! Lauren Skadberg, the 2021-2022 N.D. FBLA State President, was also recognized for being the North Dakota Who's Who recipient.

The Carrington chapter had a number of sponsors supporting the students who competed at the national conference. The Diamond level sponsors who donated $750 or more were Carrington Lions Club, Columbia Grain, New Rockford Eagle's Club, Bank Forward/Forward Foundation, Fetch's Five Spot, Garr Dental, and Headlocks.

Gold level sponsors donating $350-$749 were Bravera Insurance, CHI St. Alexius Heath Center, Leading Edge Equipment, and Wholesale Ag.

Silver level sponsors donating $150-$349 were Arrowwood Prairie Co-op, Bessette Motors, Carrington Drug, Carrington Kiwanis, Dakota Growers, DJ's Home Center, Fessenden Co-op, Foster County Independent, Golden Acres Manor, Hi-Way Drive-In, and Schultz Plumbing, Heating, & AC.

Bronze level sponsors donating $50-$149 were Bremer Bank, Central Pharmacy, Cross Roads Golf Course, Dakota Central, Evan's Funeral Home, Garden Gate, Lioness, and Northern Plains.

FBLA is a professional organization for students interested in pursuing business careers. This year's theme of "Create. Lead. Inspire," reflects the goals of FBLA members, some of the best and brightest of today's young people. Its mission is to inspire and prepare students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.