First year participating in FBLA is a success for MFL MarMac students
MFL MarMac high school students had a successful first year participating in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), the nationwide career and technical student organization. Six students competed at the state level—either individually or in a group. Pictured (left to right) are Parker Kuehl, Emme Wikner, Jarett Hanson, Skylar Fisk, Bryce Jones, advisor Stephanie Wikner and Braxton Halvorson. (Submitted photo)
By Audrey Posten | Times-Register
MFL MarMac high school students had a successful first year participating in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), the nationwide career and technical student organization. Through FBLA, students dedicated hours outside the classroom preparing for competitions in areas like marketing, ethics, entrepreneurship, leadership, computer science and visual and graphic design.
First-year advisor and business teacher Stephanie Wikner said FBLA fulfills requirements that every career technical education (CTE) teacher have their own group. She recruited students already taking business classes—and with interest in the career field—to join.
“I picked some kids who wouldn’t turn me down and just went with it. Whether we placed or not, it would be something I could learn from,” Wikner said.
It was a no-brainer for senior Parker Kuehl, who is in three different business classes. “And I’m interested in going into the business field,” he added.
Fellow senior Mackenzie Bachman was already participating in speech and will pursue a career in sales, so FBLA blended the two interests.
“We thought it would be a good way to do something that’s related to my career,” Bachman said, “and I also do speech, so I felt comfortable doing public speaking at contests and events.”
Wikner said around 10 students competed at the district level in a variety of categories. Jarett Hanson placed first in business ethics, Bachman and Emme Wikner earned second in sales presentation and intro to FBLA, respectively, while Bryce Jones placed third in intro to marketing and Kennedy Bachman was third in intro to business. Kuehl took seventh in entrepreneurship.
Some participants went on to the state level, where success continued. A group of Kuehl, Jones and Braxton Halvorson placed 13th for a business presentation.
“We created a farmers market idea and ours was pre-made meals. We created the financials for it and came up with how we were going to sell and market it,” according to Kuehl.
Wikner and Skylar Fisk took seventh out of 32 in visual design.
Fisk said of the experience, “It was a very rewarding feeling. I felt very proud to put on a presentation with a group and present in front of a judge. I was a little uneasy about public speaking, but it was something I have found a passion for.”
Hanson placed fourth in business ethics, qualifying him for nationals in Anaheim, Calif., from June 29 to July 2. He said his event consisted of “building a project to explain and solve business ethic issues.”
He was excited to do so well.
“It felt really good and I was determined to do it for our first-year program and make school history,” he added.
Mackenzie and Kennedy Bachman were on vacation at the time of the state competition, otherwise Wikner was confident they would have done well too.
The students valued other state experiences as well. For example, Kuehl networked with a CPA, learning about the accounting field. Fisk attended an interview workshop, which she said informed her on proper interview etiquette. Hanson enjoyed an entrepreneurial workshop.
FBLA, in general, helped the students explore the business field and grow their confidence.
“There are a wide range of people who are into business. It’s very broad with a lot of topics and issues you can cover,” explained M. Bachman. “People can learn more while also using public speaking skills.”
Fisk admitted she wasn’t sure about presenting in front of a judge, “but just this one experience has made me feel more confident in public speaking. This is one of the funnest groups to be part of as there’s something for everyone.”
Jones is interested in business,” so it helped me learn more about it,” he noted.
“If you are thinking about anything later in life that relates to business, I recommend you to join,” added Hanson. “You can sell stuff, do visual design, management and tons more.”
One doesn’t even have to specifically focus on business, said Wikner.
“Business is used in every career, no matter what you’re doing: ag, medical sales, entrepreneurship, computer coding, graphic design,” she shared.
For those who might be intimidated by speech, FBLA cant get you out of your comfort zone in a more comfortable setting.
“FBLA doesn’t seem as scary when you know it’s a business topic that maybe you’re more passionate about,” the advisor continued.
Wikner and the students are excited to watch MFL MarMac’s FBLA chapter grow next year.
“I’m hoping, with the success, and the school advertising it, maybe more kids will come forward and want to do it,” Wikner said.
