Wakefield’s FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) chapter competed in the North Carolina FBLA State Leadership Conference from April 13, 2015 to April 15, 2015. The Marketing team, Jeremiah Heyward, Josh Howard, and Ryan Riemesch, won third place in Marketing, Alec Ashforth won third place in Business Math, and Alexandra Stroup placed top ten in Insurance and Risk Management. They competed against all chapters in the state.

Mr. Timothy Walker, the business teacher at Wakefield, reported that the students not only competed, but learned by workshops.

“Five members from FBLA went to the North Carolina FBLA State Leadership Conference,” said Walker, “They attended workshops, speaking events, and other competitive events.”

According to Walker, the FBLA team got their accomplishments from being driven and focused during the preparation for the conference.

“We have students that are really driven and focused on what they are doing,” said Walker, “The things we did during the school year prepared them for the conference.”

The FBLA team feels pretty good about coming out on top among thousands of people.

“We feel pretty good because there are thousands of people that compete in different events, so to be in the top ten, the top three, or top two is a pretty cool, amazing accomplishment,” said senior Alexandra Stroup.

To some members, to win on a state level means a great deal of accomplishment.

“I feel really good about my accomplishments because I never really won anything that prestigious on a state level,” said junior Ryan Riemesch. “I felt really accomplished.”

In order to earn 2nd place in Business Math, Alec Ashforth invested in time and effort.

“I feel very proud of myself for this accomplishment,” said sophomore Alec Ashforth, “It took a lot of time and effort to prepare for the test.”

FBLA members learn about the aspects of business through travel and experience.

“Our purpose is to educate students on different aspects of business,” said Walker. “We have toured businesses this year, we have had guest speakers from various businesses come in, and have done different types of business activities.”

According to members, those who are interested in business can learn much from FBLA.

“I’m passionate about business, so to have a club where I can gain skills that I could use for the future, it is really meaningful,” said Riemesch. “I have certain affection for Marketing.”

FBLA also achieved a high number of members this year.

“We have the largest number of members this year, which is seventy-seven,” said Walker.

For members, FBLA’s competition gives students the chance to experience the offers of FBLA.

“It creates more awareness for FBLA and everything FBLA has to offer,” said Stroup, “FBLA is beyond high school.  You can also take it in college.”

For FBLA, there are opportunities for money and friends.

“FBLA is a great way for people to expand their network of opportunities by meeting other people from inside and outside the Wakefield community,” said Ashforth,  “It’s a good way to make connections to the real world in order to have opportunities to make more money and friends for the future.”