For the City Times

NEKOOSA – The Nekoosa FBLA chapter traveled to Stratford High School on Feb. 1 for the 2020 Regional Leadership Conference, and will advance eight events.

With 26 chapters in attendance, to see who would win “Outstanding Chapter” and which competitors would advance to the State Leadership Conference in Madison in March, Nekoosa students competed in 17 different events.

The event concluded with 15 Nekoosa events finishing in the top four spots.

Advancing to state

Brandon and Nathen Swensen, 1st Place-Banking and Financial Systems; Brett Anderson, Robin Anderson, and Madison Wandrey, 1st Place-Digital Video Production; Hailey Brown, 1st Place-Future Business Leader and Regional Recognition Award Winner; Ike Dillon, Jace Lobner, and Trent Waltenberg, 1st Place-Management Information Systems; Leah Carlson, Anna Schaefbauer, and Elise Waltenberg, 2nd Place-Hospitality Management; Hope Leverance, 3rd Place-Client Service; Gavin Hall, Danny Harnisch, and Bruce Khang-Brostowitz, 3rd Place-Emerging Business Issues; Anita Jaimes, 3rd Place-Public Speaking.

“I knew we had many talented students this year and they proved it today with their strong finishes in every event,” said FBLA Advisor Jen Jackson. “The hard part was realizing that so many events were making stage, but then just barely missing out on the chance to go to state because only 1st through 3rd place finishers are able to advance.”

Those receiving fourth place, just missing a spot at state, include: Sierra Andrews-Broadcast Journalism; Becca Black-Business Communication; Jada Janneau-Business Ethics; Madison Bills and Holly Pearce-Entrepreneurship; Paige Somerville-Journalism; Diana Gabriel and Alaina Kawleski-Management Decision Making; Paradise Allord, Lilly-Jo Stojak, and Lucas Arendt-Publication Design.

“To have so many events placing high is a testament to how hard these students have worked and they should be very proud of themselves and to be part of Nekoosa FBLA,” said Jackson.

The State Leadership Conference will be held March 30-31, in Madison.