FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) is a national organization with chapters in all 50 states that focuses on instilling business values in the rising youth of today’s society. Sponsored by Robert Riesert and under the presidency of Michael Hammond, a now graduated senior, the chapter has become a force to be reckoned with containing more than 200 members and a plethora of awards to demonstrate it.

Last year commenced with a regional breakfast which served the purpose of introducing the district officers to the assisting members. It served the purpose of stimulating the members to participate in the annual district competitions and to increment their involvement in their local chapter. The breakfast was more than a simple breaking of bread, it was an intense battle between districts 24, 25, and 26 which put their knowledge of business and fundamental principles of FBLA to the test. The breakfast concluded with an inspirational speech from a successful business entrepreneur who encouraged the audience to chase their dreams and convert them into reality, creating an ambience of sheer optimism and thriving competition.

This similar enthusiasm was present when Gables took Sarasota by storm at the annual leadership conference hosted by the FBLA state officers which took place at the beginning of November. This presented an opportunity for those who wanted to go beyond the basic requirements of an FBLA member and rise above as leaders at a local level.

“My best experience in Sarasota was being able to assist the business and leadership seminars. I feel like they helped me learn and will certainly come in handy in the future.  The best benefits of this conference were the opportunity of being able to experience the business world from such an early age,” junior Alexandra Herrera said.

The next phase of the year consisted of intense preparation for the district competitions where more than 150 students participated. The participants remained anxious to find out the results and when the awards ceremony came, they could hardly wait. With much luck, preparation, and practice, Gables came out victorious with more than 60 winners who would move on to the competition at state level. Additionally, senior Julio Membreno was elected Vice-President for the District 26 Board.

More than 2,500 students from all over Florida attended the State Leadership Conference where they competed in their perspective areas and competed for the coveted spots for Nationals in Nashville, Tennessee. In addition, senior Marcos Balsera was appointed State Parliamentarian for the upcoming school year.

“I believe that in the end, I am where I am simply because my endless perseverance and determination. I became part of FBLA in the ninth grade and I climbed my way to the top little by little,” Balsera said.

Gables was proud to have 11 students attend the National Leadership Conference, all qualified at the state level. These students included Nathalie Boutros, Brooke Yates, Lucy Baez, Julio Membreno, Marcos Balsera, Maria Estrada, David Pujol, Julian Metok, Brandon Chung, among others.

The year resulted in what will be surely commemorated as a golden age for the organization. All that remains is enthusiasm for the wonderful agenda that FBLA plans to have this upcoming school year.