News Summary
Students from Champaign Central and Centennial high schools are gearing up for the National Leadership Conference in California. With a range of competitions and activities, the event promises to enhance their skills in business and marketing. Teachers will supervise the students, fostering personal growth and networking opportunities. Participants include Nathalee Abad and Priyam Banerjee, who are preparing for roleplay events, as well as teams focusing on real-world business projects. Fundraising efforts are underway to support their attendance at this educational event.
Champaign, Illinois – The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) clubs from Champaign Central and Centennial high schools are preparing to attend the National Leadership Conference in California, scheduled for the end of August 2025. This event will feature students competing in various business and marketing events, showcasing their skills in front of peers and industry professionals.
Teachers from both high schools, including Eric Fagerlin and Farrah Tuttle from Central High School along with Eric Springer from Centennial High School, will supervise the students during the conference. The experience is designed not only to enhance the students’ competitive edge but also to promote personal growth and confidence among participants.
While not all FBLA members will compete, those who take part in events often report significant developmental benefits. Students participating in the conference will engage in a diverse range of activities, including competitions that test their capabilities in business scenarios.
Among the participants, Nathalee Abad from Centennial High School will compete in a roleplay event that focuses on the sports and entertainment management sector. To prepare for this challenge, Abad has utilized Quizlet as a study aid, ensuring she is well-informed on the latest industry trends and practices.
Priyam Banerjee from Centennial is also preparing for a roleplay event in entrepreneurship. This challenging competition requires students to respond quickly to a given prompt and deliver an effective presentation within a limited timeframe. In her preparation, Banerjee has reviewed feedback from prior competitions and has watched online roleplay videos to refine her approach.
Students Matthew Philip and Sohum Gurrapu from Central High School are collaborating on a group presentation that emphasizes their partnership with a real business in India. Their project aims to highlight practical business applications and the significance of cross-cultural collaboration.
Further, Safa Thameem and Kennedy Borden from Centennial are putting together a “Public Service Announcement” video focusing on healthy workplace habits, a project that earned them fourth place in the state competition. This achievement reflects their commitment to addressing contemporary workplace issues through creative media.
Additionally, students Hannah Libman and Aanya Rangaiahgari have developed a social media campaign aimed at promoting a nonprofit organization. They have been practicing their pitch with local business leaders, ensuring their presentation is polished and effective.
Beyond the competitions, students are looking forward to the opportunities for networking available at the conference, which will allow them to connect with peers from across the country. This interaction is seen as a valuable component, enhancing their learning experience and providing insights into various career paths within the business field.
Gurrapu expressed enthusiasm about the travel aspect, as the trip marks a significant opportunity for students to experience California and broaden their horizons. Rangaiahgari, who previously achieved a top-ten placement at the national conference, eagerly anticipates the awards ceremony and the excitement that accompanies such an event.
To fund their conference attendance, the FBLA clubs have been actively fundraising, with travel costs estimated at approximately $1,500 per member. They are also reaching out to local businesses for additional sponsorships to help cover the expenses associated with this educational opportunity.
The teachers involved are also planning future events for the FBLA clubs, ensuring that students continue to engage with business concepts and skills long after the conference concludes. This commitment to ongoing development reinforces the clubs’ objectives of fostering future leaders in the business world.
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