The students represented Owen-Withee well at every level and to end the year with two national top ten finishes is special. We look forward to where this momentum can take us in the future.”

Caleb Green, Adviser

Students from Owen-Withee won top prizes at Future Business Leaders of America, Inc.’s (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC). The event, held in Anaheim, California from June 29 to July 2, attracted more than 15,000 middle school and high school students, educators, and volunteers from across the country. The NLC provides education, competition, and networking opportunities centered on business.

Nearly 11,000 students from more than 2,000 middle schools and high schools in 48 U.S. states and territories competed in 100 business-related events for cash prizes totaling over $120,000. Students also had the opportunity to engage in over 120 learning workshops and meet with representatives from more than 260 colleges, universities, and employers, including Alzheimer’s Association, BusinessU, CLA, Empowerly, FICO, Funds2Orgs, Jostens, Kendra Scott, Men’s Wearhouse, UWorld, MBA Research, National Retail Federation, National Technical Honor Society, PNC Bank Student Lending, TKS Worldwide, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Coast Guard.

Additionally, students heard from keynote speaker and proud FBLA alumna, Karissa Bodnar, Founder and CEO of Thrive Causemetics and Bigger Than Beauty Skincare. In a live onstage conversation with FBLA President & CEO Jennifer Woods, Bodnar shared her journey from high school entrepreneur to leading a globally recognized beauty brand rooted in social impact. Her story inspired students to pursue their passions, embrace innovation, and lead with purpose.

Owen-Withee had four students attend and compete on the national stage in six different events. Colton Paczkowski presented his Electronic Career Portfolio, Mathew Wilson and Jack Wendler presented the chapter’s Partnership with Business Report, and Mason Gay presented the chapter’s Local Chapter Annual Business Report in the preliminary rounds but did not make it to the finals. The final round of competition takes the top 15 competitors in each category. Mason Gay made it to the top 15 in his Business Achievement Award Capstone Project, Jack Wendler placed ninth in the nation in his Business Plan presentation, and Mason Gay placed fifth in the nation in the Future Business Leader competition. Additionally, Ms. Julie Kodl was recognized as the Wisconsin Business Person of the Year, Mr. Caleb Green was recognized as the Wisconsin Outstanding Adviser, and Mason Gay was recognized as Wisconsin’s Who’s Who in FBLA. Finally, the chapter was awarded Gold status in the Champion Chapter program.

“Overall, this NLC really caps off a wonderful year for the Owen-Withee FBLA.” states Adviser, Mr. Caleb Green. “The Officer Team put in a lot of work planning for this year back in August and the membership helped to bring their goals to light. The students represented Owen-Withee well at every level and to end the year with two national top ten finishes is special. We look forward to where this momentum can take us in the future.”

“This year’s National Leadership Conference showcased the remarkable talent and dedication of our student members,” said FBLA President & CEO Jennifer Woods. “From critical thinking and business management to finance, accounting, and information technology, they demonstrated the essential skills that will shape tomorrow’s workforce. These middle school and high school students leave Anaheim with not only well-earned recognition, but also new connections, greater confidence, and a clearer path toward their future careers.”

Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) education association with more than 200,000 middle school, high school, and college members worldwide. FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. The association is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. For more information, visit fbla.org.