Oak Hill High School’s chapter of America’s Future Business Leaders took first place this month in a statewide competition. This is the 25th consecutive year they have won. Competitions are centered on business skills. Submitted photo
Every year for the past 25 years, Oak Hill High School’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter has taken the top spot in the Maine state championship.
There is a lot of pressure going into the state competition this year, club advisor Angela Roy said.
“No one wants to lose a streak of victory in the year 25,” co-adviser Erica Beaule help.
But the school’s contingent of 35 students scored enough points in the business-oriented competition to solidify a quarter century of victories.
Future Business Leaders of America is a national organization that helps high school students prepare for business careers through academic competitions, leadership development, and educational programs. Students compete in various written tests, public speaking and project-based competitions.
This year, Oak Hill students collectively earned 25 first place, 23 second place and 12 third place awards. One student, junior Nhi Nguyen, won eight awards alone, Roy said.
Three students were additionally elected to the state board. Nguyen is currently the vice president of Maine FBLA, junior Destiny Samare is the treasurer and junior Sarah Rossignol is the reporter.
Earlier this year, counselors helped match students to competitive events based on their strengths. Students study for exams and practice presentations after class. As the competition gets closer, says Roy, the preparation becomes more intense.
In the two weeks leading up to the state competition in early March, Roy and co-counselor Beaule worked with the students for hours each day, including weekends. Both were former members of Oak Hill’s FBLA program as students.
They attributed the success of the program to the dedication of the students. The competitive structure of the program, they say, is especially important for motivating students.
“We tasked them a little bit, and they took it,” Roy said.
FBLA helps students develop a variety of skills, he explained. It provides opportunities for students to network with local professionals and serve their community.
Earlier this year, Oak Hill FBLA collected over four trash bags full of clothing to donate to Maine Needs.
“These kids are in their 25th year, but it took 24 years worth of kids to get us here,” Roy said.
The students won’t be able to compete in the national competition in Atlanta this year, mainly because of the cost, Roy said. However, they hope to travel with the students to compete in next year’s national championships planned for Anaheim, California.
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