Of the 26 students who are members of the SLHS Future Business Leaders of America, two will represent Southern Lehigh at the national level in Nashville, Tennessee, later this year. These members will showcase their knowledge by taking a test or making a presentation in one of fifty-two different business related subjects.

Throughout the year, members of FBLA study business programs and compete in regional competitions that build their confidence and measure their progress amongst other students within the state. By finishing in first place in states, they earn a bid to the national conference.

“The conferences are the best part,” senior Nikos Milios said. “You can meet other students from across the country in addition to participating in your competitive event.”

Milios has impressed many by qualifying and travelling to nationals all four years of his high school career. Not only is he an outstanding member of FBLA, but Milios is also a part of the varsity baseball and golf teams. On top of all of that, he works part time at Subway and Elite Sports Academy.

“FBLA has taught me how to effectively communicate and has given me deeper knowledge into complex business topics,” Milios said.

Brycen Holland will join Nikos in Nashville this summer from June 27th to July 3rd. Both are competing with each other in the category of lifesmarts. They practice for this competition by reading textbooks and taking online tests.

“The convention is a neat experience,” FBLA adviser Ms. Bonnie Organski said. “It is like going to a summer camp, but a business camp.”

At the national convention, students get to sightsee, chat with other competitors, and listen to guest speakers. They learn key traits of leadership and experiment in a field that they might be interested as an occupation.

As the adviser, Ms. Organski has been running the Southern Lehigh FBLA chapter for twelve years now. She is in charge of paperwork, registering, and setting the agenda for each meeting. She is also the regional co-adviser for FBLA. Ms. Organski’s “right hand woman” is fellow business teacher Mrs. Joann Peralta, who she turns toward when she is absent or needs another hand.

FBLA is a valuable organization in which students can prepare themselves for careers in business and business related fields. If you are interested in FBLA , you can join next school year by signing up and providing a fifteen dollar fee.