Feb. 27, 2023
By Shirley Bermejo
Staff Writer
With just a week left until the State Leadership Conference, members of the Future Business Leaders of America Club are gearing up for intense competition. At the conference, students will be assessed based on their performance in both presentation and test categories, with the top finishers going on to the National Leadership Conference in Atlanta in June.
Ms. Jankowski, who co-advises the club with Mrs. Silvelo, said 60-65 students will be attending the State Leadership Conference, which will be held at Harrah’s Convention Center in Atlantic City from March 6-8.
Jankowski said the conference, which offers 75 competitive events, is a useful learning experience.
“When going to states, you can be exposed to students from other schools, business [professions] and community service,” Jankowski said.
She said to compete successfully, students need to dedicate time to practicing and preparing.
“If you are doing a presentation, you should study a few weeks before,” Jankowski said. “The student taking the test should study from online sources.”
“I love helping others, and the leadership conferences really feel like you are in the business world.”
Sophomore delegate Michael Longo, who has been a member of FBLA for two years, will be taking the Intro to FBLA test. Last year, Longo and his partner junior student liaison Mike Rizzo placed in the top four in the Intro to Social Media Strategies event, which secured them a spot at nationals in Chicago.
Longo said the experience he gained last year is going to help him perform well this year. He said his goals are to place higher in his event than last year and help his fellow club members navigate the State Leadership Conference.
“I love helping others, and the leadership conferences really feel like you are in the business world,” Longo said. “My favorite aspect of FBLA is the community service as well as the leadership conferences.”
Longo said he has no regrets about joining FBLA.
“This club has truly brought me close friendships that I will never forget,” Longo said.
Senior membership secretary Natalia Ferrulli said she joined FBLA when she was a sophomore because she had heard about all the opportunities the club offers.
Ferrulli said FBLA’s competitive events have encouraged her to push herself.
“Sometimes the outcome is not in your favor, but that’s okay,” Ferrulli said. “It can be very challenging, and a lot of pressure is put on you. But with the right amount of hard work and determination, you will feel proud of yourself no matter what.”
This year, Ferrulli will be participating in the Public Speaking presentation event.
“I like to speak in front of people rather than taking a test,” Ferrulli said.
Like Longo, Ferrulli said she appreciates both the knowledge and friendships she has gained through FBLA.
“I could never have met these people and had the opportunities I had without my wonderful advisors, Mrs. Silvelo and [Ms.] Jankowski,” Ferrulli said. “I have developed new relationships with students from all grades, which is amazing, and I am so thankful for my experiences over the years.”
