* Be sure to view the links showcasing the students' work at the end of the article
Future Business Leaders Shine at State and Advance to Nationals
The halls of Cedar Rapids were buzzing with excitement as more than 1,200 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members from across Iowa gathered for the State Leadership Conference in late March. Three days filled with competition, workshops, leadership, and unforgettable memories were ahead and Melcher-Dallas students Austin Remster, Anna Kirfman, Kaden Schrader, Tatjana Gagic, Aiana Kadyrbaeva, and Clara Helleso were ready.
Before any of this could happen, these students had already conquered one major challenge: qualifying at the district level. Only the top teams or selected wildcard entries earn the chance to advance to State, and Melcher-Dallas students earned their place outright.
At state, a big moment of the conference came when Austin stepped onto the campaign stage for District 5 Vice President. Running for office in FBLA is no small task as it takes essays, paperwork, determination, and courage. With only two votes per school and tough competition from across the district, Austin delivered an incredible campaign complete with an amazing slogan and speech. When the votes were counted, Austin was elected the new District 5 Vice President!
But the excitement didn’t stop there.
Anna wowed the judges with her creativity and talent, earning 2nd place in Digital Animation and qualifying for Nationals!
Also impressive is every MD student placed in at least one event. Kaden and Tatjana earned 6th place in Broadcast Journalism and Austin, Aiana, and Clara placed 7th in Public Service Announcement.
As schools across Iowa finalized their National Leadership Conference plans, spots continued to open and one by one, Iowa teams moved up. Iowa takes four entries from each presentation event to Nationals, and now these talented MD students are officially headed to San Antonio, Texas, for the National Leadership Conference June 29–July 2.
Advisor Michelle Fay said, “From campaigning and presenting to cheering each other on through every moment, this group proved what leadership, hard work, and teamwork can accomplish. To say we are proud of them hardly feels big enough.”
Congratulations to these outstanding FBLA members and San Antonio, here they come!
View the students’ work by clicking the link, then click the title at the top and press play.