The Future Business Leaders of America is a club that helps high school students prepare for careers in business. In the club, students perform academic competitions, leadership development and educational programs in the hopes that they can make it to the FBLA state competition. 

And that is exactly what three Greeley West students have accomplished this year. In order to qualify for state they have to place in the Top 4 in their competitive event. Students Meah Delgado – 2nd Place (Business Ethics), Theo Hirsch – 3rd Place (Economics), and Landon Mitchell – 3rd Place (Business Law), have all qualified for their areas.

Ms. Kory Zulauf, the sponsor of FBLA at West, gave a rundown of what preparing for state looks like. “Two of our qualifying events are a test, so they take practice tests, another student has a presentation and a test. So Meah, we are looking at score sheets and are adapting to anything moving forward.”

“I didn’t really expect to get to state, and I am not going to waste the opportunity,” Mitchell said.  “Meetings were quick and everything was self paced. My teacher motivated me to get into the club just based on my general interests.”

Hirsch is excited for the experience: “I joined it for fun and I didn’t care if I went to State, but going to regionals was a great experience, and now I am excited for State because of it. I was originally forced into the club, but I am very glad that I was because of the community that has been built.”

Delgado is excited for the experience as well.  “I originally joined because of DECA. Ms. Zulauf asked me to join and the districts went well. It was nerve racking. Going to State is exciting because it will be the first time I will be able to stay in a hotel for a school activity.”

FBLA State will be held at The Gaylord of the Rockies April 18-20. They will have their events and will have business workshops to attend as well. All the students are hopeful and excited for a positive experience at state.