Champaign Students Gear Up for National FBLA Conference

News Summary

Students from Champaign Central and Centennial high schools are preparing for the National Leadership Conference in California in August 2025. With the guidance of their teachers, they will participate in various competitive events aimed at enhancing their business and marketing skills. The participants will engage in roleplay events, create group presentations, and develop public service announcements, all while networking and gaining valuable experiences. Fundraising efforts are underway to support their travel costs, emphasizing the importance of equity in access to educational opportunities.

Champaign, Illinois – The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) clubs from Champaign Central and Centennial high schools are preparing to attend the National Leadership Conference, which is set to take place in California at the end of August 2025.

The groups will be accompanied by teachers Eric Fagerlin from Central High School and Farrah Tuttle, who will join Eric Springer from Centennial High School for the trip. This annual conference gathers students across the nation to showcase their business and marketing skills through various competitive events.

While not all FBLA members will compete, the participants have the opportunity for significant personal development and networking with peers from diverse backgrounds. Among those taking part, Nathalee Abad from Centennial will engage in a roleplay event that focuses on sports and entertainment management, utilizing Quizlet as a study aid to prepare for her scenarios. Priyam Banerjee from Centennial is also gearing up for a roleplay event centered on entrepreneurship, which challenges participants to quickly devise presentations from prompts.

Additionally, Matthew Philip and Sohum Gurrapu from Central are collaborating on a group presentation regarding their partnership with a real business in India. The pair is effectively highlighting international business collaborations, while Safa Thameem and Kennedy Borden from Centennial are creating a “Public Service Announcement” video that emphasizes healthy workplace habits—a project that previously secured them fourth place at the state competition.

Another noteworthy project is led by Hannah Libman and Aanya Rangaiahgari, who are executing a social media campaign aimed at promoting a nonprofit organization. They have enhanced their preparation by practicing with local business leaders and their advisers. The involvement in these initiatives showcases the critical thinking and public speaking skills essential for future leaders in business.

As part of their trip, students will also enjoy cultural experiences, including attending a Los Angeles Angels baseball game during their free time, which fosters camaraderie among the participants. Gurrapu expressed excitement about leaving Illinois for this opportunity and the enriching experiences awaiting them.

Rangaiahgari, having previously placed in the top ten at a past National Leadership Conference, is particularly looking forward to the awards show. Participating in the awards ceremony serves as a highlight for many students, allowing them to appreciate their hard work and dedication.

To fund their participation, the students have been actively fundraising, as the expected travel costs are approximately $1,500 per member. In addition to their current efforts, they are seeking sponsorship from local businesses to ensure all expenses are met, providing equitable access to the conference for all participants.

Post-conference, the teachers are planning additional events for the FBLA clubs to further develop the skills learned during the competition. The commitment of both the students and their mentors illustrates the value of business education and its role in preparing young individuals for future success in leadership and the workforce.

The upcoming National Leadership Conference in California represents a significant milestone for these aspiring business leaders from Champaign, as they strive to hone their skills and expand their professional networks.

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