Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) has made the ultimate decision to have competition this year. There are many concerns that can come in place with any event during COVID-19, but North Augusta High School FBLA students were interviewed to help provide a better understanding of the event.
First, what is an FBLA competition? Lauren Lusk, a freshman at North Augusta High School states, “FBLA competitions are academic competitive events that give students the opportunity to experience business situations and allow leadership development.” Sherry Kong, a sophomore from NAHS, furthered this explanation, stating “There are two types of competitive events. Objective testing and Performance events. In objective testing, there are events such as: Accounting, political science, computer problem solving and much more.”
Due to the ongoing pandemic, FBLA competition will not look the same as last year. When asked about competition last year, Kong explained, “On a normal year, I would prepare for competitions a few months prior. We would travel to the predetermined destination and we would test in the morning/afternoon and awards afternoon/night. There are master classes we can take, and we can social network in person with fellow FBLA members.” This year, however, Lusk said competition will look different, stating “This year, competitions are online. For example, instead of presenting in person you are recording a video and submitting it online.” Savannah Padgett, a Senior at North Augusta High School, shares this same sentiment, stating, “Both presentation and written multiple choice competitions are available. Competitions are usually held in person at all three levels, but due to COVID-19 regulations, all competitions are online this year.”
With all the challenges this year, the number of people competing in FBLA competition has been impacted. Lusk stated “I am competing in Introduction to Social Media Strategies.” Wong: "I am competing this year in Accounting I which is an objective test event. Last year I competed in Securities and Investments and received first at District and third at State.” Padgett is also planning to compete, stating “This year I am competing in Broadcast Journalism and Local Chapter Annual Business Report. Both events are team presentation events and for the Local Chapter Annual Business Report I will be writing a formal business report. Broadcast Journalism is very similar to the Yellow Jacket News Show that I help to participate in every week. Local Chapter Annual Business Report is an overview of all the activities that the NAHS FBLA chapter and members have completed over the last year.’’
It is good to see that the FBLA program is taking safety precautions during this ongoing pandemic, while also ensuring FBLA students still have a chance to compete. As a large part of the FBLA program, the dedication to keeping competition season alive is something that pleases many FBLA members. The North Augusta High School FBLA Chapter is proud to have its best and brightest competing this year.
Photographer: Ann Marie Partl
Pictured: Lauren Lusk
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