WHS students head to FBLA nationals

Two Washougal High School freshman, Sayre Glaser and Matthew Hickey, will be among the state finalists vying for a national title at the Future Business Leaders of American (FBLA) National Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tenn., June 29 to July 2.

“The FBLA National Awards Program recognizes and rewards excellence in a broad range of business and career-related areas,” said Kathy Sturdyvin-Scobba, WHS Teacher and FBLA advisor. “At our state leadership conferences, students competed in events testing their business knowledge and skills. These two students were top state winners and earned a chance to compete for national awards at the national leadership conference coming up.”

Glaser took third place at the Washington State competition in FBLA Principals and Procedures.

“I will compete by taking an online test about my knowledge of the FBLA organization,” Glaser explained.

To prepare for her competition, Glaser plans to spend a lot of time online at the FBLA website to learn its history, bylaws, handbook, mission, goals and rules of parliamentary procedure.

“I will really need to focus on all the details in the bylaws. And there are a lot of dates and names to remember too,” she said.

Hickey earned his spot at nationals with a third place at state in “Introduction to Information Technology.” This event tests a student’s understanding of the impact of computer technology and how to effectively harness it to drive business. To prepare for his online test, Hickey has been reading study guides and using flash cards.

“This is a new event this year so there is not a lot of study materials out there,” he said. “There were other similar topics so I am combining those.”

In addition to the competing in the events they are slated for, the two are excited to take in workshops, participate in several open competitions and even a take a trip to a water park.

FBLA competitive events fall into three categories: individual, team and chapter. Individual and team events focus on skills useful in leadership and career development; chapter events recognize overall achievement and performance in chapter management and growth.