An Amherst junior qualified for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference, to be held in Florida, after placing first at the FBLA state meet held in Green Bay on April 8-9.
“It’s a really big achievement for a small school like Amherst to compete with larger schools,” said Jarrett Davidson, FBLA advisor.
Thirty-seven Amherst students were among the 2500 participants who competed at the state meet from 235 schools.
Riley Kostuch, who claimed the championship in Insurance and Risk Management, will travel to Orlando, Florida in June. He is one of only three Amherst FBLA members to ever place first at state.
“When I selected my event in September, my main goal was to get within the top three at regionals so I could go to state. Then I planned to do the best I could at state,” said Kostuch. “But as I stood on the stage, the announcer called one name, then another, until I was the only competitor left. I never thought I would take first place and make it to nationals.”
Travis Zellmer, the Amherst FBLA Senior Advisor, said the keys to success are simple but difficult to achieve: “Get your event early, study, and make it your goal to take first.”
Junior Otto Schultz, another top finisher, placed fifth in Database Design & Applications. For his event, Schultz designed a database in Microsoft Access along with taking a multiple choice test.
“When I joined, I didn’t know about any of the events. Now having done two of them I’m excited to do more!” said Schultz. “I love learning about all business aspects!”
FBLA was created to inspire students while honing their leadership skills in the field of business. It has since grown to include various events from accounting to entrepreneurship and computer programming.
“There are many students who find their career through FBLA,” said Zellmer, “It has altered their life for the better.”
Next year, Zellmer will retire from his position as senior advisor. Davidson and Hunter Warner will take his place as Co-advisors.
Davidson plans to keep much of the club activities the same. The Amherst chapter will compete again next year for the regional and state competitions.
“Due to the state competition being toward the end of spring break next year, the group may be smaller,” said Davidson, “but I still look forward to leading the students to do the best they can.”
