Rocky Mountain FBLA students shine at state, qualify 12 for nationals

Strong showing in Laramie marks one of program’s best years

The Rocky Mountain High School FBLA chapter turned in one of its strongest performances in recent memory at the State FBLA Competition held last weekend at the University of Wyoming in Laramie.

Under the direction of advisor Skye Mader, Rocky students placed at a high level across nearly every event, with all but two competitors finishing in the top four. The results marked a significant jump from last year, when all but two placed in the top ten.

“That’s a big deal,” Mader said. “It was a pretty good year.”

In all, Rocky qualified 12 students for the FBLA National Leadership Conference, which will be held June 29 through July 2 in San Antonio, Texas. Those national qualifiers span ten different events, highlighting both the depth and versatility of the team.

Because FBLA rules allow students to compete in only one event at nationals, several Rocky students who qualified in multiple categories will now face the challenge of choosing where to focus their efforts.

Leading the chapter this year were president John Mader, vice president Layla Gardner, secretary Lauren Bassett, reporter Madalyn McCollam and parliamentarian Landon Pruett.

Mader credited the program’s growth in part to increased support and experience within the organization. Assistant advisor Danny Wilson, now in her second year, has helped elevate the team’s overall performance.

The success in Laramie also carried personal meaning for several seniors. Both Pruett and McCollam, four-year FBLA members, reached the awards stage for the first time.

“It’s pretty exciting to see them get there,” Mader said.

As the team prepares for nationals, fundraising efforts will help offset travel costs, including the group’s popular “flamingo flocking” fundraiser.

Rocky’s top finishes were led by Travis Crosby, who captured first place in Economics, and by John Mader, who earned first place in Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure. The Introduction to Programming Team of Mader, Evin Clendenen and Cooper Ward also brought home a state championship.

Rocky continued its strong showing in team events with a second-place finish in Parliamentary Procedure from Mader, Clendenen, Gary Gardner, Kreegan Jones and Ward. Individually, Mader added a third-place finish in Financial Statement Analysis, while Clendenen placed third in Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure. Gardner contributed a third-place finish in Economics and fourth in Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure, while Jones placed fourth in Introduction to Information Technology.

Additional results included Landon Pruett and Charlie McAlhany, who each earned third-place finishes in both Digital Video Production Team and Public Service Announcement Team. Madalyn McCollam and Avery Thomas placed third in Hospitality and Event Management Team, while Lauren Bassett and Sawyer Bassett finished fourth in Visual Design Team.