Latest news with #FutureBusinessLeadersofAmerica
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Virginia State University students excel at FBLA National Leadership Conference
Virginia State University students won top prizes at Future Business Leaders of America, Inc.'s National Leadership Conference. The event May 31-June 2 in Dallas drew over 1,000 college students, educators and volunteers. At the NLC, the VSU Chapter of FBLA showcased exceptional talent. The chapter, according to a news release, was consistently visible on the leaderboard and maintained a high level of networking and participation throughout the conference. VSU's Sakara Calhoun-Bey was the top-performing attendee. She exhibited her strong networking ability, and received the top position on the leaderboard for the FBLA application. Other top performers were Jenayah Loveless, Amiyah Ponton, King Maxwell, Elijah Adams, Renee Ogoh, Jasmine Fallen and Tania Outland. The VSU students represent what it means to be committed to the core values of FBLA: To collaborate, to compete and to lead. The NLC provides education, competition and networking opportunities centered on business. Through determination, hard work and efficient teamwork, VSU students placed in the top 10 of their competitive events. Remarkable achievement VSU excels at Future Business Leaders of America competition. What's next for students? Nayima Green and Nylan Taylor — 1st place in Management Case Elijah Adams, Nylan Taylor and Camron Cooper — 1st place in Marketing Case Abigail Rancy — 3rd place in Parliamentary Procedure Shane Roach, King Maxwell and Elijah Adams — 5th in Emerging Business Issues Makayla Robinson and Sakara Calhoun-Bey — 6th place in Hospitality Management Case Recipients dual-enrolled AdvanSix presents $2,000 STEM Scholarships: Read where students see themselves in 20 years More than 890 students from nearly 150 schools in 27 U.S. states and territories competed in 38 business-related events for cash prizes totaling over $45,000. Students also had the opportunity to engage in 60 learning workshops and meet with representatives from more than 25 colleges, universities and employers. Additionally, student members heard from Astad Dhunjisha, vice president of human resources and talent acquisition at AT&T, who shared his insights on change and innovation in the business world as well as what students can do now to prepare for a rapidly shifting job market. In response to the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business's victory involving over 1,000 student participants from nearly 150 institutions, Dr. Emmanuel Omojokun, professor of Computer Information Systems and dean of the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business, shared a reflection on the significance of the achievement and what it means for VSU. 'To win a national competition against nearly 150 schools that, between them, fielded over 1,000 student contestants is not just an affirmation of the caliber of undergraduates at the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business but also proof in the pudding that at Virginia State University, Greater Happens Here. If anyone needed any additional quantifiable evidence of what is being achieved at this Historically Black College and University, they need not look any further,' Omojokun said. 'This year's National Leadership Conference showcased the incredible talent and dedication of our student members,' Jennifer Woods, FBLA President and CEO, said. 'From analytical thinking to dynamic communication, they demonstrated the skills that will shape tomorrow's workforce. These college students leave Dallas not only with well-earned recognition but also with new connections, confidence and a clearer path toward their future careers.' FBLA, a nonprofit education association, has over 200,000 middle school, high school and college members worldwide. Dr. Aurelia Donald, Computer Information Systems Professor and FBLA Chapter Advisor, stated, "VSU couldn't be prouder of bringing home the big win!" 'Reach the stars' Petersburg: Young entrepreneur spreads positive vibes via her first business Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly, an award-winning columnist, is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index voted the 2022 Tri-Cities Best of the Best Social Media Personality. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@ follow @KHiggins_PI on X and@socialbutterflykristi on Instagram. Your support is vital to local journalism. Please . This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: VSU students celebrate, excel at FBLA National Leadership Conference

Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shining skill
Jun. 9—MOSES LAKE — This isn't exactly the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center's first trip to the nationals. "For 11 years straight we have placed at state competition, and eight of those years we've qualified for nationals," said Terri Pixlee, who teaches video game programming at CBTECH. "We've been all over the country. We've been to Chicago, Utah, Georgia twice, Florida (and) Maryland and this will be our second time in California." Pixlee's students Alex Meyer, Hailey Harper and Ethan Huntley competed in April at the Future Business Leaders of America game programming competition in Bellevue, she said. One team of three students took second place and will go on to nationals in Anaheim, California. Another team of two, Neri Hernandez and Jaden Salazar, placed seventh, not high enough to be assured of a berth but enough to be alternates in case some other Washington team doesn't show. So far, that doesn't seem likely, Pixlee said. "It doesn't happen very often, but it does happen," she said. In addition, Felix Neutzhorn and Zander Leasher from the CBTECH Fire Sciences and Roan Prentice from the Automotive program qualified for nationals at the SkillsUSA state competitions in Spokane in March. They'll go to the national competition in Atlanta, Georgia in July. Prentice took first place at the state competition, said instructor Lonny Steinmetz. He and teammate David Couture also won first place at the Top Tech Challenge in Yakima. CBTECH was the first school to take first at the Top Tech Challenge twice in a row, Steinmetz added. Prentice came away from the competitions with more than just bragging rights, Steinmetz said. "He won about $56,000 in scholarships along with some tools," he said. For the video game competition, the students divide themselves into teams of three, usually including an artist, a programmer and a level designer, Pixlee said. At least one of those students also needs some serious presentation chops, she said. "It's like 'Shark Tank,'" she said. "They have to present their game and sell it as if they're selling it to one of the gaming houses, so it's really kind of important they have a speaker as well." The video game creators will be in Anaheim June 29-July 2, Pixlee said. They can't afford a side trip to Disneyland, she said, but there are other things they can occupy their off-time with. "There's plenty of attractions they want to see," she said. "Venice Beach, they want to, you know, things like that that don't cost much. We'll find a little arcade." The students going to Atlanta will be there June 23-27, said Fire Sciences teacher Lynn Dodd. "It's huge for these kids," Dodd said. "The student we took last year had barely ever been out of town. It's one of their first times getting to stay in a hotel, getting to go to these fancy restaurants, and then we were taking them on their first flights across the United States. And it's like, this is cool that these kids get this opportunity to compete with the best students of the state. That we get to be a part of that is pretty awesome."
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wrestling and dance: Vote for the azcentral Student of the Week for April 28-May 2, 2025!
Student of the Week offers schools the chance to celebrate teens who have placed in an art, dance or music competition, excelled in a science fair, won an essay contest, received a scholarship, were recognized for their volunteer service or have shined in some other way. All high schools in Arizona are invited to nominate students to be included in an online poll where readers vote to choose the Student of the Week. Advertisement Student of the Week voting is open from 6 a.m. Monday through noon Wednesday. The winner is announced online on Friday morning. Meet this week's nominees! Jakob Duffey, senior, Cactus Shadows High School Jakob Duffey, a senior at Cactus Shadows High School, is a "standout" wrestler, a marching band drummer, a tennis player and headed to the honors college at ASU, said his Student of the Week nominator, the high school's Athletic Director Rob Gilmore. Jakob Duffey is an exceptional student. He has been accepted to Arizona State University and will be attending the Barrett Honors College, majoring in biochemical engineering. Beyond the classroom, Jakob has proudly represented the Falcons in a variety of ways. He was a dedicated drummer in our marching band, a standout wrestler who finished fourth in the state in Arizona Interscholastic Association Division III, and he's currently competing on our tennis team with an impressive 11-4 record. Advertisement Nomination submitted by Rob Gilmore, athletic director, Cactus Shadows High School. Matthew Ruiz, junior, Odyssey Institute High School Matthew Ruiz (center) in London for a performance with the Odyssey Institute High School's Will Power Dance Troupe. Matthew's Student of the Week nominator, dance teacher Tabbatha Prewitt, said he "consistently puts himself out there in dance class." Matthew Ruiz consistently puts himself out there in dance class, even when it feels scary or outside of his comfort zone. His courage and willingness to take creative risks inspire those around him. In addition to his commitment in class, he maintains outstanding grades as a full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme scholar at the Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies and is actively involved in a variety of extracurricular activities ranging from Future Business Leaders of America to theater. He is a well-rounded scholar who leads by example through his dedication, positivity and perseverance. Advertisement Nomination submitted by Tabbatha Prewitt, dance teacher, Odyssey Institute High School. For more information on Student of the Week, email studentoftheweek@ This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote for the azcentral Student of the Week for April 28-May 2, 2025!

Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
'Our thoughts remain with them': Kingman students, staff hospitalized after I-10 crash
The majority of students involved in a bus crash on Interstate 10 near Tucson were released from the hospital and able to go home, the Kingman Unified School District said. Two students and two staff members remained hospitalized and will stay in Tucson for treatment, according to the school district. A Kingman Unified School District bus was heading east on I-10 in Marana when an SUV driver merged into the bus, causing the bus to hit a median barrier and roll onto its side. The crash left four people seriously injured, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. "Our thoughts remain with them and their families during this time," the school district said in an update on its website. The driver of the Volvo SUV was identified as 31-year-old Nicolas Rodriguez. He was taken into custody and accused of three counts of aggravated assault and serious physical injury, Class 3 felonies, according to the Pima County Attorney's Office. His bond was set at $100,000. Authorities closed the eastbound lanes of the interstate in response to the crash. The lanes reopened around 6 a.m. April 2, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Students from Kingman High School and Lee Williams High School were heading to Tucson for a Future Business Leaders of America conference when the crash occurred. "We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Tucson and Marana hospitals, first aid responders, and their community for their exceptional support and assistance provided to our students and staff. Your help truly means the world to us!" the district wrote in a Facebook post. The Kingman Unified School District asked for gift cards, blankets, water and snacks to create get-well baskets for those involved in the crash. "Your donation not only helps with recovery but also serves as a reminder of the incredible strength and compassion in our community," the district said in the Facebook post. Donations will be accepted until 3 p.m. on April 3 at the Kingman Unified District Office. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: SUV driver faces felony charges after causing bus crash near Tucson

Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
'Our thoughts are with everyone affected': Kingman students, chaperone hurt in bus crash near Tucson
A crash involving a school bus left four people seriously injured and one person in custody near Tucson. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, about 1:30 p.m. April 1, the driver of a Volvo SUV collided with the driver's side of a school bus from the Kingman Unified School District, causing the bus to hit a median barrier and roll onto its side. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound on Interstate 10 near Tangerine Road in Marana. All 40 passengers, including the bus driver, were taken to the hospital for medical evaluation. Several students and a chaperone had serious but not life-threatening injuries, according to the school district. The district said those who were uninjured and medically cleared would be released from the hospital that day. "Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we appreciate your patience and support during this time," the school district said. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs posted on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, hours after the crash. "I'm concerned for the children and others on board, and thinking of them and their families. Arizona DPS is on the scene, and I will continue to monitor the situation closely," Hobbs said. Authorities closed the eastbound lanes of the interstate in response to the crash. There was no estimated time for reopening, the Arizona Department of Transportation said. The students and chaperones from Kingman High School and Lee Williams High School were traveling to Tucson for a Future Business Leaders of America event, the school district said. The driver of the SUV was taken into custody, DPS said. However, the agency did not provide charges. The investigation was being conducted by DPS. 'Kind, thoughtful, fun': East Valley community mourns Saguaro High senior killed in car crash (This story has been updated to add more information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kingman students, chaperone hurt after bus crash near Tucson