WELLSVILLE FBLA PLACES NATIONALLY
By Dawn Rottinghaus
When we think of Nashville, Tennessee, most of us think about the heart of country music, the Grand Ole Opry, or perhaps even the devastating floods that occurred this past April; but for the Wellsville Future Business Leaders of America, it means national recognition and acclaim. This past July, MacKenzie Pfeiffer, Katelyn Barthol, Brandon Ebeck, Whitney Schmidt and LeeAnn Samsel (asst. adviser) traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to compete in the 2010 National FBLA Leadership Conference. There were over 7,000 students in attendance from across the United States, the European Department of Defense, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. They were there to compete amongst other FBLA members who were the best of the best in their state.
With over 100 chapters across the state of Kansas, Wellsville FBLA stood proud and tall as they were recognized as the largest local chapter in the state of Kansas with 144 high school members for the 2009-2010 school year. Wellsville FBLA also received the Hollis and Kitty Guy Gold Seal Chapter award for all of the activities they have completed throughout the school year.
Current senior, Katelyn Barthol competed in the Local Chapter Annual Business Report, which is a 30-page compilation of all the activities Wellsville FBLA performs throughout the year. Katelyn’s report was one of two that represented Kansas. With great pride, Katelyn received 5th place in the nation for Wellsville’s Local Chapter Annual Business Report.
Brandon Ebeck and Whitney Schmidt, also current seniors represented Kansas as the top Business Plan in our state. The Business Plan event is a 30-page business plan and 7 minute presentation that can be established for a fictitious or real business. As an Accounting II project, Brandon and Whitney established a fictitious photography business in Wellsville, but they used the knowledge they gained from the local Wellsville Bank, the Wellsville Historical Society, local photography entrepreneur, Jan Bloss and information from their Accounting II class to prepare the plan. Even though this was the first time for Wellsville FBLA to ever enter this event, with excitement, Brandon and Whitney received 8th place in the nation for their Business Plan.
Another current senior, MacKenzie Pfeiffer represented Kansas FBLA as the State Treasurer at the National FBLA Leadership Conference in Nashville. She also served as the campaign manager for Kandace Irvine. Kandace is from Jefferson County North and she ran for the national office of Mountain Plains Vice President, which overseas eleven of the central states. MacKenzie was integral in helping her get elected to this position.
Overall, these current seniors represented Wellsville FBLA at the National FBLA Leadership Conference in Nashville with great pride and style. Their integrity and work ethic are indicative of what the students in Wellsville High School can achieve. Many thanks to the other Wellsville FBLA students, the USD 289 Board of Education and administration and the Wellsville community for the support of these great young leaders.
