All 27 participating members of MSMS’s Future Business Leaders of America club won placements from first through fifth place at the state leadership conference at the University of Southern Mississippi on March 20. Students competed in a wide variety of different events and categories, ranging from health care to accounting. The competition consisted of several hour-long 100-question tests, as well as group or individual performances and much more.
Senior Izzy Rushing, a first-year FBLA competitor, said the tests were easier than expected.“I was a lot more stressed than I needed to be. I felt good about taking the tests and had plenty of time to study,” Rushing said.
Kayla Hester, an MSMS history teacher who has sponsored the club for 10 years, said this year’s group stood out from previous ones.
“We’ve had the highest interest in FBLA than we’ve ever had since I’ve taken over and more interest in going to competitions,” Hester said.
Hester credited the club’s student leadership for its success this year.
“We’ve had some really good officers who have really stepped up. I think they have really picked up the reigns this year [and] brought more interest to the club,” Hester said.
Junior Christopher Chen said one of the most appealing aspects of the club is the variety of events to choose from.
“The competition is a really good experience because they have so many different things you can compete in,” Chen said. “I heard about it from my old school and I thought I should try it out; it has been a good experience so far. I loved getting to hang out with everyone in our chapter; they are so nice, and it was good to meet everyone.”
Despite nearly 1,000 students registering to compete from across the state, Hester said the trip went well, with very few hiccups.
“Our students did everything they needed to do. They were amazing representatives of MSMS,” Hester said.
