Student business leaders advance to next level

Trousdale County High School business teacher and Future Business Leaders of America sponsor Chelsey Hough presented this month’s school district highlight to the Trousdale County School Board at its meeting Thursday night.

Hough, along with three FBLA students, shared with board members their recent successes from the 2024 FBLA State Leadership Conference that was held from April 7 through April 10 in Chattanooga.

“We just got back from our leadership conference a week ago,” said Hough. “We are very proud of the students. They did very well.”

This year, three Trousdale County High School FBLA students advanced to Nationals and two more were named finalists at the state competition, which is only the second time in 13 years.

Dalton Malmin placed first in Supply Chain Management, Devan Walford placed fourth in Securities and Investments, and Dylan Kennedy placed fourth in Computer Applications.

State finalists included Jacob Wilson in Impromptu Speaking and Zoey Vaughn in Organizational Leadership.

“I had a great time at the State Leadership Competition,” said Vaughn. “I competed in Organizational Leadership. When I made it to State, I was really excited. I think the best part was the leadership academy. It was hands-on and really immersive for the high students. It was a lot of fun.”

Since FBLA’s mission is to prepare students to become community-minded business leaders through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences, state and national conferences, like the 2024 FBLA National Leadership Conference that will held this summer in Orlando, Florida, are significant.

However, attending these conferences can be costly.

According to Trousdale County Director of Schools Clint Satterfield, while the plane fare for those attending Nationals will be covered to Florida, the students must raise support to cover the other expenses of the trip.

“The FBLA Nationals are in Orlando, Florida,” said Satterfield. “They (the students) will be going out in the community to raise funds. We would just like everybody to support them when that time comes.”

Hough added, “We’re trying hard to fund raise. We have a big expense for rooming and registration and costs once we get there (to Orlando). We are really hoping that the community will back these kids.”

Those interested in donating to the 2024 FBLA National Leadership Conference trip can contact Chelsey Hough at Trousdale County High School.