Rocky Mountain High School FBLA shines at National Conference in Anaheim

The Rocky Mountain High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) program proudly represented Wyoming at the National Leadership Conference held June 29–July 3 in Anaheim, California. More than 16,000 students from across the country gathered to compete, connect and grow as future leaders in business and technology.

Ten students from Rocky Mountain High School earned the opportunity to attend after excelling at the state level.

They competed in a wide range of events including American Enterprise Project, Lauren Bassett and Tarynn Schoening; Partnership with Business, Layla Gardner and Lafe Files; Sales Presentation, Branton Moore and Alex Hedges; Introduction to Business Presentation, Joaquin Scheeler and Travis Crosby; Introduction to Financial Math, John Mader; Human Resource Management, Schoening; Networking Infrastructures, Gardner; and Spreadsheet Applications, Rebecca Herren.

A highlight of the trip was walking the national stage as Rocky Mountain’s Sales Presentation team placed ninth in the nation out of 104 competing teams. The recognition reflected the students’ hard work, preparation and professional growth throughout the year, according to chapter advisor Skye Mader.

The success of this trip was made possible because of the strong support of Big Horn County School District No. 1, which continues to invest in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that give students hands-on, real-world learning experiences, Mader said.

In addition, the recent addition of assistant FBLA advisor Dani Wilson strengthened the chapter by providing critical support, resources and mentorship — helping students reach the national level and excel on a broader stage, Mader noted.  

Along with competing, students enjoyed several enriching cultural experiences. For many, it was their first time seeing the ocean. The group went whale watching, cruising alongside a pod of dolphins, explored theme parks and tried a variety of new foods, all of which added to the educational and personal value of the trip.

The Rocky Mountain FBLA Chapter would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the community for the generous support that helped make this unforgettable experience possible, Mader said. Whether people participated by flocking yards with flamingos, purchasing a bird hunt raffle ticket, buying Krispy Kreme donuts or giving a donation, the support made a difference, Mader said.

“We are so proud of our students’ accomplishments and grateful for a community that believes in our mission,” Mader said. “This experience will stay with them for a lifetime.”