MCS Business Leaders Star at National Conference

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh Central School FBLA members have had a strong start to the school year.

In October, four Future Business Leaders of America members attended the FBLA District Meeting at Bryant and Stratton College in Albany and then in November, two members traveled to a national conference in Dallas.

During the district meeting, Liam Hooper, Kaitlin Nelson, Quin Smith, and Kaelynn Wainwright attended workshops like “Great Presentations,” “There is No I in Team,” “People Power 101,” and “Finding Your Career.” They also met with peers from other clubs and started planning for upcoming FBLA competitions.

In November, Quin, the club president, and Olivia Skowfoe, the club treasurer, traveled to Dallas, Texas, with advisor Denise Colistra for the FBLA Leadership Conference. The students spoke about their conference at last week's school board meeting.

During the four-day event, the students attended several workshops. Topics included business ethics, the business world, public speaking, turning your hobby into your career, personal brand development, and more. They also connected with FBLA peers from 36 states around the country.

The two told board members that they learned a lot of things that will help them "crack the code" at the state competitions in June.

"It was really a super fun thing," Olivia said. "It was one of the coolest things we've ever done."

Ms. Colistra said both trips offered amazing opportunities for the students to learn. The trip to Dallas also provided many cultural experiences.

“On Friday night, the conference hosted the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament,” Ms. Colistra said. “We were also able to spend a little time exploring Dallas and its surrounding areas. At the Stockyard in Fort Worth, we witnessed the daily cattle-drive down Main Street.

"The cattle drive was a highlight, the students said.

"It was so Texas," Olivia said.

FBLA club members will have little time to rest. At both events, members began strategizing to prepare for upcoming district and national competitions.