Twenty-Four NB Students Qualify for FBLA Nationals

Sixty-seven Northern Bedford students attended the Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference in Hershey from April 16-19.

Over 5,000 students from across the commonwealth gathered for competitive events, workshops, networking, and leadership development. Sophomore Avery Aungst was voted as Pennsylvania FBLA Vice President at Large number 1.

"This year, I set a huge goal to obtain a position as a PA FBLA state officer," Aungst said. "Through the never-ending support of my advisors, I was able to accomplish my dream. NBC FBLA has Mr. Garry Black and Mrs. Hannah Hutzell to thank for the overwhelming growth and success our chapter has seen over the past year. Without them, I would not be where I am or who I am today. They have given us a second family."

The chapter won first place in Market Share with 29 percent of the Northern Bedford student body in FBLA. Jacob Sensenig became the chapter's first ever four-time national qualifier.

"FBLA has been a foundational asset to me throughout every year of my high school career," Sensenig said. "From being one of Northern Bedford's first ever national place winners my freshman year, I knew FBLA was going to be quite a journey. Over the years I have gathered more than just awards. I have gained knowledge, friendships, and nothing short of unconditional support."

Top four winners in each competitive event qualify for the National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Ga., in June.

Results were as follows:

• 1st Place – American Enterprise Project - Jacob Sensenig, Myah Douglas, Evan Coffey

• 1st Place – Introduction to Social Media Strategies - Avery Aungst, Jaylyn Resh, Aleah Loose

• 1st Place – Business Ethics - Aiden Wadel, Collin Yeatts, Evan Coffey

• 1st Place – Introduction to Public Speaking - Savanna Hershberger

• 3rd Place – Who's Who in FBLA - Jacob Sensenig

• 3rd Place – Social Media Strategies - Miranda Clark, Reaghan Grimes, Addison Love

• 3rd Place – E-Career Portfolio - Sierra Griffith

• 3rd Place – Broadcast Journalism - Shelby Dively, Emalee Bowser, Olivia Helsel

• 3rd Place – Local Chapter Annual Business Report - Avery Aungst, Jaylyn Resh, Aleah Loose

• 3rd Place – E-Business - Ebbie Berry, Leah Swanseen, Mariah Hall

• 4th Place – Client Service - Jacob Sensenig

• 4th Place – Graphic Design - Devin Lamont and Madison Strait

• 5th Place – Public Service Announcement - Nolin Snider, Wesley Horsh, Vaughn Schleinkofer

• 7th Place – Impromptu Speaking - Emilee Sherlock

• 6th Place – Sales Presentation - Halle Baker, Chase Imes, and Myah Douglas

• 10th Place – Public Speaking - Ava Whisker

Jacob Sensenig won a $1,500 William Selden Scholarship. Northern Bedford FBLA is advised by Mr. Garry Black and Mrs. Hannah Hutzell.

"Over the last 4 years, Northern Bedford FBLA has had 21 state champs and 46 national qualifiers. The reason? Success breeds success. Our students see their peers like Sensenig and Aungst doing great things and they want to be a part of it," Hutzell said. "Words can't express how proud I am of our chapter and students. It is amazing to see their hard work paying off. Many students spend their early mornings before school in my classroom perfecting their presentations."

The winners will once again attend the National Leadership Conference in Atlanta.

"Last year we came home with a fourth place and a team of national champions," Hutzell said. "With the work these students have put in, I have no doubt that they will make the Northern Bedford community proud."