Heartland FBLA Attends the Nebraska State Leadership Conference
Twenty-six Heartland FBLA members attended the Nebraska State Leadership Conference in Kearney on April 16-18. Five students won seven awards during the three-day conference.
Students attending the conference along with adviser Karma Yantzie and parent chaperone Jenny Goertzen were: (Seniors) Samuel Friesen, Josh Goertzen, Mia Hiebner, Brayden Ogorzolka, Will Regier, Laura Splinter, Holden Switzer, Hallie Tessman; (Juniors) Tara Buzek and Maddox Regier; (Sophomores) Kali Barta, Brooks Burgess, Ashlyn Friesen, River Glinsmann, Kate Haidle, Sophie Minary, Cadence Swim, Julia Tessman, Ben Thomas, Daniel Vasquez; (Freshmen) Madison Barta, Aiden Bartek, Isabelle Buller, Jack Goertzen, Hayden Perez, and Heston Switzer.
Our Heartland FBLA Chapter President Tara Buzek ran for the Office of Nebraska State FBLA Secretary and ran a strong campaign coming in as one of the top two candidates for the State Secretary position. Despite the election results not going in her favor, we're incredibly proud of Tara for seizing the opportunity to represent our chapter and community during her campaign.
The keynote speaker of the opening session was Timmy the Dreamer, a keynote speaker and entrepreneur. He is focused on helping young people achieve their dreams to the fullest of their potential.
The leadership conference was filled with testing, speaking, presenting, and job interviewing.
The group also enjoyed the amenities offered by the Younes Conference Center location including playing golf and pickleball at the new DropZone complex. The top eight winners in each event were announced at the awards program on Friday evening and Saturday morning.
The students who placed in the top of each event will represent Nebraska at the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas this summer. The following students won top
eight awards:
● Tara Buzek
o 2nd Place Advanced Accounting
o 3rd Place Business Communication
o 10th Place Public Speaking (Final)
● Kate Haidle
o 2nd Place Accounting
o 6th Place Intro. to Business Communication
● Brooks Burgess
o 3rd Intro. to Retail and Management
● Kali Barta and Sophie Minary
o 8th Place Graphic Design
The following students won Honorable Mention awards which recognized those who placed in the top 4% of each competitive event:
● Tara Buzek
o Personal Finance
● Mia Hiebner
o Advanced Accounting
Tara Buzek earned Who’s Who in Nebraska FBLA for our chapter.
Congratulations to all members for a great conference!
Click on the photo for additional pictures.