FBLA members medal at skills competition

Courtesy photo
A DOZEN MEMBERS of Coal City High School’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America [FBLA] took part in the Central Northern Area Conference on Jan. 28 and earned medals in various events. Participating were [front row, from left]: Gavin Chernesky, Peyton Benson, Kylie McKim, Kylee Kennell, Wyleigh Serena and Nyah Planeta. Advisor Harlan Kennell is in row two with Jackson Wilcock, Luke Hawkins, Logan Hawkins, Josh Ritchie, Luke Crater and Brady Ehrman.

Coal City High School’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) participated in the Central Northern Area leadership and skills conference hosted by the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy [IMSA] on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Students participated in a variety of events testing their business skills and knowledge on the Aurora school’s campus.

Competitive events fall into three categories—individual, team and chapter. Individual and team events focus on skills useful in leadership and career development, and chapter events recognize overall achievement and performance in chapter management and growth.

The duo of Brady Ehrman and Luke Crater represented the Coalers in the Battle of the Chapters event defeating teams from Lemont, LincolnWay East, Lincoln Way West, Chicago Sullivan and host school IMSA. As the winners, the two will represent the Central Northern Area Conference at the state competition this spring.

Coal City FBLA did well during the contest as several students received medals.

First place finishers were Nyah Planeta, personal finance; Logan Hawkins, accounting one; Luke Crater, UX design; Jackson Wilcock, future business leader; Luke Hawkins, parliamentary procedure, and Kylee Kennell and Wyleigh Serena in introduction to event planning.

Placing second were Brady Ehman in computer problem solving and Peyton Benson in health care administration.
Earning third place awards were Josh Ritchie, advertising; Kiley McKim, business communication, and Gavin Chernesky, cyber security.

The next skills event for Coal City’s FBLA chapter, advised by Harlan Kennell, will take place at the State Leadership Conference in Springfield on April 14 and 15.