Idalia RJ-3 School District

Shaffer/Richards—Idalia FBLA National Champions

Idalia FBLA Chapter Receives Gold Seal Award

More than 9,600 of America’s best and brightest high school students traveled to Southern California to establish their own Legacy of Leadership as they competed for the opportunity to win more than $170,000 in cash awards.

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference was held June 28–July 3 in Anaheim. Participants from across the United States and abroad attended this exciting conference to enhance their business skills, expand their networks, and participate in more than 70 business and business-related competitive events.

Idalia Publications Design Team--Aubrey Richards and Breann Shaffer received national recognition at the FBLA Awards of Excellence Program on July 2. These ladies brought home the gold—1^st Place. To qualify for Nationals, a team had to place in the top four at the state level. One hundred and forty teams competed at Nationals in this event. After the preliminary round on Friday, June 30, 14 teams would advance to compete in finals. Ten of these 14 would make stage for placing in finals.  The theme of this competition was to design three promotional items for a new, member, original, TV series or movie which included a poster, ¼-page newspaper ad, and a cardboard cutout display. Shaffer and Richards then had to create three additional promotional pieces of their own choosing for a total of six items. These ladies not only received nice trophies but also received $1200. Nice job ladies!!

Alex Weyerman and Megan Waitman also qualified for Nationals in Digital Video Design. Their project consisted of a video promoting “Chapter Wars”. Although they didn’t place in the top 14, they had a great project.

Erick Enriquez also attended and received his America Business Achievement Award. This award is the highest personal award that a member can earn. Enriquez had already earned his Future, Business, and Leader Business Achievement Awards throughout his tenure in high school.

While at the conference, Megan Waitman, who is the 2017-2018 State Vice President for FBLA for District 3, was serving in her role as state officer along with other Colorado State officers by helping maintain sessions and handout congratulatory cards.

As a chapter, Idalia received the Gold Seal Award. This is an Outstanding Chapter Award that 15% of the chapters in the nation receive. Idalia FBLA President Breann Shaffer was instrumental in compiling and submitting the portfolio for this award. 

While in Anaheim, students also had the opportunity to attend various leadership workshops, listen to inspirational speakers, as well as network with many students from across the United States. Disneyland, California Adventures, an Angels/Mariners game and the beach were also a part of the fun.

Thank you to all who helped make this trip possible—Idalia community, Visions, Idalia Lions’ Club, Plains Telephone, and Idalia School District.