By: Audrey Longan
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) have had a very successful year. They pulled off yet another Sweepstakes win at the Section Conference for the 19th year in a row. They even went on to State and placed 9th out of 96 schools with about 2,300 students participating. Since 1983, Redwood has broken into the top 10 at State, 7 times. They also had a few guest speakers this year, including Carlos Ojeda Jr., a keynote speaker, during the State Conference to inspire students before the competition.
Besides State, there are a variety of people who have made it to be a state officer and who have even qualified for nationals. Tania Jiroudi ‘19, FBLA & Section President, said, “I feel really proud of my accomplishments, getting the opportunity to work for these all four years….it’s not something that comes very easily and I know it was through the support of my advisors and my other teammates that I have been able to accomplish these goals.” Another 4 year member, Alex Garrett ‘19, said, “FBLA keeps getting bigger and bigger, last year we took over 100 people to state conference….I hope we keep growing even after we leave and I would like to thank our advisors and of course the officer team for all of the great things we have done.”
While being in FBLA for 4 years has impacted many seniors, there are also seniors who have been in it for 3 or less years who have been extremely influenced by joining it late. Weston Watson ‘19 commented that, “This organization is really good and it helps students develop their business skills very well….I’ve always had a positive view of the club.” Katherine Harvell ‘19, feels this way as well and shouts out to newcomers next year, “Just go for it, you don’t want to get to your senior year and have regrets because you will only do high school once so you should have as much fun as you can.”
A newcomer, Abigail Leonard, ‘21, took some advice and became a member of FBLA this year, she said, “Last year I helped out FBLA at all of the football games and such, but I was always too scared to actually join, and this year many juniors pushed me to do it….I didn’t realize how connected they were to each other and the school, I also didn’t realize how large of an organization it was and I’m glad I joined.”
Mr. Avila (one of the main advisors) is proud of all the members especially the seniors, “They have accomplished more than a lot of a senior groups have, with the 4 valley titles and being in the top 10 for the last 2 years, and they have really shifted us to be a contender on the state level so we’re really gonna miss them.” On behalf of joining next year, Mr. Avila noted, “Look for us during Club Day, we’re crazy and loud and we have a lot of fun….We’ll be back next year!”
As the 2018-2019 leadership team graduates/ promotes, FBLA welcomes their new team of leaders for the upcoming year: Abbie Linhares, ‘20, President, Ali Mashel, ‘20, Vice President of Activities, Daniel Sabogal, ‘20, Vice President of Competitions, Maddie Adams, ‘21, and Alisha Shiroz, ‘21, Vice Presidents of Community Service, Jessica Abarca, ‘21, and Savannah Travis, ‘20, Vice Presidents of Membership and Recruitment, Nana Chong, ‘22, Secretary/Treasurer, Ryan Redden, ‘20, Public Relations, Liam Goss, ‘20, Historian/ Parliamentarian, and Abby Leonard, ‘21, Blaise Gendron, ‘21, and Bradyn Thomas, ‘21, were appointed Leadership Partners. With new roles to take up and shoes to fill, these newly elected officials hope to lead a great, winning program next year as well.