Winter sports have officially come to a close, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other fun things going on at Piute High. For starters, spring sports are on the rise and other clubs are still in motion. One of the most well-known clubs at Piute is FBLA, the future business leaders of America. FBLA is a club where students get to participate in growing their public speaking, business, communication and creativity skills. FBLA is open to all high schoolers and is one way to help make the high school experience one to remember.
Each year, the new members get a rundown of different types of presentations they can do. There are plentiful options from different business and public communication categories. Some of these topics are more challenging and time consuming, but the reward is worth every minute. Certain categories are set specifically for freshman and sophomore, so don’t be worried if there is a concern about competing against older students.
Students are able to work alone, in pairs or in a group of three. However the group is decided, it is the students’ job to do research, make a qualified presentation, come up with what to say during the presentation, get all the materials, and of course, give the presentation at state. This may seem like a lot, but it is a way to help prepare students for real life situations. With that being said, there are advisors in the Piute chapter that help students along the way. These advisors can give guidelines, suggestions and help with timing the presentation.
Piute FBLA chapter advisor, Principal Shauna Bagley said, “On my end, it’s making sure that they [students] have the opportunity to be in a business class so they can work on presentations or study for their tests. This gives them the time and provides a learning space.” Principal Bagley also explained that in the background work for state FBLA, she makes sure fees are paid, there are chaperons, permission slips are filled out, and of course the registration is all done.
This year, the Piute FBLA chapter had 26 participants. Out of those 26 students, 24 students placed in the top 10 at state. Some kids participated in more than one presentation. There were two individual presentations and 13 groups. Out of those 13 groups, 12 placed in the finals to attend nationals in the summer. Principal Bagley says, “This is our 26th year. Even though we are the smallest 1A school that participates, we always have kids that place and go to nationals.” Ainsley Talbot, the Piute FBLA president, also earned the Nanette S. Anderson business leader scholarship. She was one of six recipients in the state to earn the scholarship.
The Piute chapter received the outstanding gold award and placed 9th overall.
With a big success, Piute FBLA excitedly awaits for finals. To prepare for that, they must first wait for the bump list to see who all will be attending nationals and see the new rankings. Fundraisers and revisions on the presentations will be made for nationals, which will be held in Orlando, Florida.
For all rising high schoolers, or those in high school, try FBLA. You get to strengthen your leadership, communication, public speaking, presenting and networking skills. Plus, you get to travel around to some of the most famous cities in the nation. So take the chance and join FBLA!
– by Ari Hurdsman
Feature image caption: The Piute FBLA Chapter snaps a picture after the award session, showcasing their placing award certificates. Courtesy of Shauna Bagley.
Read about last year’s state competition in State FBLA Results for Piute High School.
Ari Hurdsman – Junction
Ari Hurdsman is a junior journalist at the Byway. She just recently moved to Ephraim, Utah, where she is a freshman at Snow College. She enjoys writing about Piute sports, and she’s really good at it! In her free time, she enjoys singing, dancing, reading and hanging out with friends and family.