Pitt State students earn national honors in FBLA competition

Students from Pittsburg State University earned top national recognition at the Future Business Leaders of America National Leadership Conference in Las Vegas this summer, bringing home multiple honors while competing against some of the nation's best collegiate business students.

Pitt State students secured three national placements at the conference, which drew more than 1,300 attendees from nearly 200 colleges and universities.

Katelyn Burke (Accounting / Walnut, Kansas), earned second place in Computer Applications and ninth place in Business Law.

Burke demonstrated advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications through a rigorous production test, as well as strong knowledge of legal principles through an objective exam.

"FBLA has played a significant role in preparing me for my career," Burke said. "I have built confidence in networking and public speaking, while also developing strong technical, communication, and professional skills."

Canyon Hendrickson (Management and Marketing / Tonganoxie, Kansas) finished 7th in Future Business Executive, one of FBLA's premier events. Hendrickson advanced through several tests and interviews to earn his national ranking.

"FBLA has allowed me to take on leadership positions, which has helped me build my skills such as public speaking and networking regionally and internationally," he said.

Pitt State students also participated in more than 60 professional development workshops and connected with representatives from over 20 employers and organizations.

State recognition

The national competition was on the heels of a strong showing at the state conference, earning multiple top finishes for Pitt State students:

• Sports Management & Marketing:
  1st - Eli Denton; 3rd - Tanner Ulbrich

• Retail Management:
  1st - Tanner Ulbrich

• Job Interview:
  4th - Canyon Hendrickson

• Future Business Executive:
  1st - Lillian Brown; 2nd - Canyon Hendrickson

• Foundations of Hospitality Management:
  4th - Lillian Brown

• Foundations of Finance:
  1st - Katelyn Burke

• Foundations of Communication:
  2nd - Katelyn Burke

• Computer Applications:
  1st - Katelyn Burke

• Business Law:
  1st - Katelyn Burke