The start of the school year means joining clubs, organizations and extra-curriculars.  Future Business Leaders of America brings “business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.” Every business student at Riverbend is eligible to be a FBLA member by simply enrolling in a business class, however, in order to become an active state and national member students must pay dues of $20.

Riverbend members have the opportunity to compete in various competitive events. By competing in events students are able to network with each other as well as other business teachers and professionals on regional, state and national levels. Competitors must place first in their region in order to participate in the state competition which is held in Reston, Virginia. “I went to states last year and it was probably one of the most fun weekends I’ve had. I learned a lot from the conference and got to meet a lot of people with similar interests as me,” said Sarah Heflin, a current senior. The top two or three in each event qualify for nationals, which will be held in Atlanta, Georgia this year. Last year 23 Riverbend FBLA members traveled to the FBLA state leadership conference in Reston, VA to compete in various business and technology events, and 5 qualified for the national conference. Among the five was Terri Pickering, now a Riverbend senior, who placed 9th in the nation in database and design.

For members that are not interested in competing  Riverbend FBLA also participates in community service projects including bringing supplies to the local ASPCA and participating in Project ASK, which is an organization to help raise money for childhood cancer. In addition, Riverbend is hosting the FBLA Fall Conference this year on October 10th. The fall conferences are held by every region and members are invited to participate in the conference, attend workshops and network with other members of the Germanna region. Mrs. Hogan, a business teacher and the FBLA sponsor, is excited for the year and is confident that she’ll be taking a group to Atlanta this summer for the national conference.