FBLA puts its best foot forward at district board meeting

CHELAN – The swearing in of three new members was the first order of business at the regular meeting of the Lake Chelan School District Board of Directors on Dec. 9. Superintendent Brian Wilson issued the oath of office to Barb Polley, District 2, Kim Thorpe, District 4, and Christy Nielsen, Position 5 (At Large).

Among the guest presenters was Chelan High School’s chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) with advisor Jess Poland and by FBLA student officers. Those officers are: Jarren McKenzie, president; Amy McElvaney, vice president; Alexia Padilla, secretary; and Calin Williams, Treasurer.

“FBLA’s mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.” McKenzie said.

He reported an impressive growth of the school’s FBLA chapter this year, more than doubling in size.

“There are 135 total members this year, an 82-member increase from last year,” said McKenzie, “which is huge.”

Among that number, more than a third (54) are sophomores, 36 are juniors, 26 are freshmen, and 19 are seniors.

Vice president McElvaney talked about a recent project where FBLA members connected with the first graders at Morgan Owings Elementary. 

“We had them write letters to Santa and our members responded as elves,” said McElvaney.

A question from a board member wanted to know if the FBLA students answered every Santa letter. McKenzie confirmed that they did.

McKenzie described other FBLA events including Sports Career Day, the Winter Regional Conference, and State Leadership Conference.

“Sports Career Day is when we go down to Wenatchee and watch the hockey game while working with other FBLA clubs.”

The Winter Regional Conference brings together other FBLA groups in the region at Wenatchee for team building and competition. The State Business Leadership Conference in Spokane in April is even bigger where FBLA members can run for state office, network with members from across the state, attend workshops and exhibits, and compete.

“We have so many (competition) categories I can’t even count,” McKenzie said. 

The students were complimented on their professional dress and appearance. Wilson also congratulated the club for the big increase in membership.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media