FBLA officers took part in the State Leadership Workshop (SLW) at Kalahari Resort from Oct. 30-31.

     At SLW, officers attended workshops and learning sessions, participated in various competitions, listened to keynote speakers and went on a behind-the-scenes tour of Kalahari. DV officers also learned how to help other members in competitive events and leadership and empowerment skills from the keynote speakers, Patrick Grady and Patty Hendrickson. 

     “I learned so much, and now I’m actually applying it to my daily life,” senior officer Kiley Huttman said. 

     The state FBLA project for this year is to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Money was raised through raffles for baskets and a charity walk. Six of the baskets were awarded to DV members.

     “Learning to help others, especially a child, is great. To give them hope and inspiration is really rewarding,” FBLA adviser Audrey Dennis said. 

     According to Mrs. Dennis and Huttman, watching a member pie a state officer in the face and others win rewards were fun aspects of the trip. One member also won an Apple Watch through a statewide scavenger hunt. 

     “This conference inspires students to think outside the box, and push themselves and others,” Mrs. Dennis said.