Canastota High School members from left are Olivia Palamara, Nichole Delaney, Jacob Smith, Rebecca Winchell, Julia DiVeronica, and Derick Trost
(Canastota, NY – July 11, 2015) More than 11,000 of America’s best and brightest youth traveled to the city of Chicago, Ill. as they showcased their talents as future business leaders and vied for the opportunity to win over $165,000 in cash awards.
Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL), the largest and oldest student business organization, held its National Leadership Conference in Chicago on June 29–July 2. Participants from across the United States and two countries were in attendance for this exciting conference to sharpen their core business skills, expand their networks, and participate in more than 60 business and business-related competitive events.
Six Canastota High School members, Derick Trost, Julia DiVeronica, Olivia Palamara, Nichole Delaney, Jacob Smith, and Rebecca Winchell, attended the conference with their advisor, Elizabeth Garofalo.
In addition, Dakota Sgarlata, an Oneida High School FBLA member, joined the group for this conference. While at the conference, the Canastota members participated in competitive events, attended workshops, and served as state voting delegates in charge of electing the new national officer team.
Derick Trost represented New York State FBLA in the Electronic Career Portfolio event while Rebecca Winchell represented the state in the Local Chapter Annual Business Report event.
Dakota Sgarlata represented the state in the Public Speaking 2 event.
In order to qualify to compete at the national level, these members had to first finish as a top qualifier during the State Leadership Conference.
Derick Trost, a Canastota High School senior now ends his tenure as the 2014-2015 New York State FBLA President.
Nichole Delaney will be serving New York State FBLA as the 2015-2016 State Treasurer.