Erie Day School Students Win Top Honors at FBLA National Leadership Conference
Erie Day School Students Win Top Honors at FBLA National Leadership Conference
(Erie, PA)—Students from Erie Day School earned national recognition at Future Business Leaders of America, Inc.’s (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC). The event, held in Anaheim, California from June 29 to July 2, brought together over 15,000 middle school and high school students, educators, and volunteers from across the country for competitions, workshops, and career-focused networking events.
Nearly 11,000 students from more than 2,000 schools across 48 U.S. states and territories competed in over 100 business-related events, with cash prizes totaling more than $120,000. Participants also attended over 120 educational workshops and connected with representatives from more than 260 colleges, universities, and employers, including notable organizations such as FICO, PNC Bank Student Lending, the U.S. Air Force, Alzheimer’s Association, and the National Retail Federation.A highlight of the event was a keynote conversation with FBLA alumna Karissa Bodnar, Founder and CEO of Thrive Causemetics and Bigger Than Beauty Skincare. Bodnar inspired students by sharing her story of building a successful, socially driven beauty brand and encouraged attendees to lead with innovation and heart.
Erie Day School’s Middle School Chapter, under the direction of Advisor Mrs. Janis Filbeck, proudly competed on the national stage. Sixth-grade students Jared Kang and Vihaan Koradia earned 8th Place in the Exploring Business Ethics competitive event, while eighth-grade students Ethan He and Alex He placed 4th in the nation in Critical Thinking—representing Pennsylvania and Erie Day School with professionalism and creativity. Their achievements mark a milestone for the school’s growing FBLA Middle School program and highlight the talent and potential of young leaders in Erie.“
All 23 team members placed in the Top Ten at States, with many qualifying for Nationals. Of those who qualified, eleven made the trip to represent our school in California, demonstrating remarkable dedication and teamwork throughout their FBLA journey.” said Janis Filbeck, FBLA Advisor at Erie Day School. “Their success not only reflects their skills and effort, but also the strength of Erie Day School’s emphasis on real-world learning and leadership development.”
“This year’s National Leadership Conference showcased the remarkable talent and dedication of our student members,” said FBLA President & CEO Jennifer Woods. “From critical thinking and business management to finance, accounting, and information technology, they demonstrated the essential skills that will shape tomorrow’s workforce. These middle school and high school students leave Anaheim with not only well-earned recognition, but also new connections, greater confidence, and a clearer path toward their future careers.”
About Erie Day SchoolFounded in 1929, Erie Day School is a Toddler through Grade 8 independent, non-sectarian, co-education school. The School’s mission is to provide a challenging education in a nurturing environment. Our community consists of a diverse group of students prepared and inspired to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible leaders and citizens, and lifetime learners.
ABOUT FBLAFuture Business Leaders of America, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) education association with more than 200,000 middle school, high school, and college members worldwide. FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. The association is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. For more information, visitfbla.org.