District I FBLA

Fall, 2013

Make Plans to Attend the NFLC

Register for the BAAs today!

The Business Achievement Awards (BAA) are an aggressive, self-directed, results-based business and leadership program designed to compliment

academics while accelerating a student's leadership skills.

Ask your adviser to register you today!

Important Dates

Nov. 8 & 9

January 22

April 7 & 8

May 7

National Fall Conference

Grapevine, Texas

District I Spring Conference

Fort Smith, Arkansas

State Leadership Conference

Little Rock, Arkansas

District I ML Conference

Fort Smith, Arkansas

It’s that time of year again; the National Fall Leadership Conference is

just around the corner! This year’s NFLC’s are in Grapevine, Texas on

November 8-9, Cleveland, Ohio on November 15-16, and Salt Lake City,

Utah on November 22-23. The National Center describes NFLC as a

conference where “students and advisers participate in motivational

general sessions, professional development, and career planning

workshops. For many FBLA-PBL members, the NFLCs are a convenient

and affordable way to experience much of the education and excitement

of an NLC closer to home.”

While attending my first NFLC, I am excited to listen to all the keynote

speakers, attend the workshops, meet other FBLA members, and gain the

memories from attending a National Conference. Attending the NFLC is

a great way to travel to new places and meet new people, while still

experiencing everything FBLA has to offer its members.

Be sure to talk to your adviser about attending the NFLC in Grapevine,

Texas this November!

by Nick Rincon

District I FBLA Fall, 2013

2

National Leadership Conference

FBLA Nationals was a great experience. I did not

personally compete, but I did participate and I was able to

see several of my peers do very well (one even placed second). I was able to make so many

new friends and make connections with people from

all over the country. The conference lasted for three

days, but we stayed in Anaheim for seven. This meant that we got to tour L.A.,

Are you working hard to get to Nashville in 2014?

go to the beach, and even spend time in Disneyland! Throughout

the duration of the conference, I attended several workshops.

Now, when most FBLA kids think of workshops, they picture sitting down in a room—not

listening to the speaker—for half an hour or so and getting a

sticker just to prove you were there. However, the workshops

were interactive and entertaining as well as educational. One even involved

impromptu acting like the TV show “Whose Line Is It

Anyway?” This brightened the conference immeasurably, not

to mention the incredible keynote speaker, Judson Laipply. Most of you all know

him from his viral YouTube video, “Evolution of Dance.”

Overall, I’d say that Nationals was one of the most rewarding

experiences I’ve ever had. I’m so glad that I went, and I can’t wait to go to nationals again.

Waldron FBLA has started out with a

great year so far. We had our first

meeting and the students enjoyed a

"candy BAR". Last year’s suckers’

sales were amazing so students’ dues

are paid for this year. We still plan on

promoting our schools speak up

program as well.

Waldron FBLA

by Maddy Willis

District I FBLA Fall, 2013

3

Nick Rincon – President

Hello District I! I’m Nick Rincon, your District President. It isn’t often I get to meet all of our members, and it isn’t often all of you get to meet with me. I am currently a junior at Southside High School in Fort Smith. I love to go camping and hiking, and I travel a lot! My favorite places I’ve been have to be Europe (Italy, France, and England) and Washington D.C. A place I would love to go to is Spain. My favorite color is green, I love the fall, and my favorite food is crab. I am involved in FBLA, National Honor Society, and Band, although FBLA takes up much of my time. I have one brother, Jake who is in 8th grade, and a sister, Sydney who is in 1st grade. My favorite subjects in school are History, Science, and Spanish. My current positions in FBLA are Southside’s Junior Representative, District I President/State Vice President, and Communications Director/Designer for the Southern Region Executive Board. I am very excited for this upcoming year in FBLA and look forward to serving and meeting each and everyone one of you as we put Excellence into Action!!

Jeremy Jacobs – Vice President

Hello! My name is Jeremy Jacobs, I'm a senior from Johnson County Westside High School and I'm the Arkansas District I Vice President. My father served for 24 years in the United States Air Force, and because of this, I was born in Lakenheath, England. Since I'm not a "natural-born citizen", I can't run for President, so I just want to say that Nick Rincon, you got lucky this time (just kidding!). As the only senior on this year's officer team, I promise to use my superior wisdom and experience to keep all of these youngins in line. While I'm hard-working and diligent when dealing with important tasks, I'm pretty laid-back during my down time. Whenever I have free time, I typically like to relax. I'll listen to the radio, play some video games, maybe put together a puzzle. And even though I'm a busy person, I always make time to message my friends. If you want, feel free to friend me on Facebook. We can talk about FBLA. All joking aside, I really love FBLA. It's an amazing organization that allows me to grow as a business-person, make long-lasting connections, and look awesome in a suit. I had a lot of fun with my fellow officers at officer training this summer, especially going to the movies, and I expect this year to

be a fun and rewarding year for District I FBLA. I expect to see District I win a ton of events at State and Nationals, so don't let me down you guys. Trust me, Nationals is loads of fun. My favorite FBLA memories so far are when I went to Orlando for the NLC back in 2011, and when I went to Anaheim for the NLC this past summer. You all

definitely need to work hard toward achieving NLC. I plan on seeing NLC filled with District I next summer, so don't let me down. See you all at DFLC!

Caprise Beam – Secretary

My name is Caprise Beam. I am currently a junior at Hackett High School. Let’s face it; life isn’t easy by any means. Being a teenage girl is one tough cookie to chew. It’s a constant cycle of school, work, study, and repeat, oh just about…a million more times! I am up to my eyeballs in stress

2013-2014 Officer Team

“All joking aside, I

really love FBLA.”

Left to right: Caprise Beam – District Secretary Maddy Willis – District Parliamentarian Nick Rincon – President Jeremy Jacobs – Vice President Emily Wright – Treasurer Grant Hutson – Reporter

District I FBLA Fall, 2013

4

from keeping up my GPA, working at my hostess job at Red Lobster; all the while, participating in clubs like NHS, Class Reporter, Prom Committee, and Upward Bound, my façade of perfection sometimes feels like it is at a cracking point. FBLA has always been my one go-to outlet; we all gather each year for a common purpose, whether it is to gain leadership skills, to add to the resume, or some other reason. Either way, we all face the same goal together—make it to nationals—some of us study all year leading up to that one day—one hour to prove exactly what you are worth. Just knowing I am a part of this community that strives to make the best out of every individual, relieves my ever-present headache. Time is a precious thing to most people, but for FBLA I could find all the time in the world. As your Arkansas District I Secretary, I hope to further gain the skills necessary to become a very successful business leader in the near future, and start putting excellence in action. With your help, 2013-2014 FBLA will be best year yet.

Emily Wright - Treasurer

My name is Emily Wright, and I am a junior at Clarksville High School. I have been in FBLA for 4 years now and it is the only club in my school that has influenced my life. I am the FBLA District I Treasurer, CHS FBLA President, CHS junior class Vice President, I am in Beta, DECA, and art club. I am a CHS cheerleader, and am a member on the CHS tennis team. Being an FBLA district officer has opened so many doors for me. Not only have I learned so much, but my goals have been extended. FBLA has taught me things that I would have had to learn on my own and or never learn at all. I hope this year my district officer team can accomplish great things, and most importantly put Excellence in Action!

Maddy Willis – Parliamentarian

I joined FBLA in the ninth grade. When I was younger I saw my older sister compete, receive awards, and even make it to nationals! I was so excited to start my FBLA career when I got the opportunity. Most public schools don’t allow junior high students to participate in competitions, but since I went to a private school, I was able to. My teacher assigned Intro to Parliamentary Procedure to me. At first I did not even know what that meant! It was just a mouthful of hard-to-pronounce words. I researched the topic, studied the materials, and ended up placing second at district and fifth at state. I changed schools when I became a sophomore and my new adviser (who has received multiple FBLA adviser awards) encouraged me to apply for district parliamentarian, so I did. I have enjoyed the last two years as a part of FBLA and am excited to take my involvement to the next level.

Grant Hutson - Reporter

Greetings, District I FBLA. I am honored to be serving as your District I Reporter. FBLA has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember; that’s what happens when your mom is an adviser.

Along with FBLA, I am very active at my school. I am member of the PHS football, basketball, and track teams. I also participate in Quiz Bowl, National Honor Society, FCA, Youth Alive, Student Council, Key Club, BAM (Be an Amazing Mentor), and Fire Marshalls.

I am very thankful to be a part of FBLA, and I am glad to have made many new friends along the way. I hope each of you will take advantage of all FBLA has to offer. As you strive to put “Excellence in Action” this year, remember these words from Aristotle: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit!”

Continued Officers Continued

Officers work hard at

the 2013-2014 Arkansas Officer

Training

District I Fall, 2013

Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Arkansas Children’s Hospital has always played an important role in my

community. Perhaps that is why FBLA provides such generous donations

to them each year. In our school during a football game halftime, an

Arkansas Children’s Hospital Awareness fundraiser was conducted. All

those who had ever been in ACH were asked to stand—half of the

bleachers rose. All those who had ever had family or friends hospitalized in

ACH were asked to stand—the crowds were silent as the entire assembly

stood. This public questionnaire—while effective in gathering large

contributions—made the community realize just how many people relied

on this close to home, trusted care. Some people spend their entire lives in

and out of the hospital due to permanent birth defects—some of my own

family and friends are of this special case—or go for major operations

because they know how well the quality of the hospital and staff are. This

non-profit organization is like the White House is to the country: a system

of continuous income and people. Arkansas Children’s hospital is devoted

on improving the health of children through high-quality research. Each

year they bring in over twenty-one million dollars of funds from grants and

contracts towards research and development that could ultimately save a

child’s life. ACH is a cherished aspect to our community; one of my best

friends who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth and is a frequent

patient, raves about how wonderful the hospital is and the playful, energetic

atmosphere. Seeing how much this hospital means to my close friends and

family makes me want to do anything possible to help...even if it is just

collecting donations I feel as though I am a part of the well-being of

everyone in my community. And that is a great feeling to have; everyone

should try it!

by Caprise Beam

CHS FBLA is excited about the year and all that it holds! We did a push to get more students involved by hosting a Popsicle party. We also set up a booth during our club fair. Students were able to sign up during both events. Our membership numbers increased and it created excitement around FBLA. We have elected our officers and we are planning many events to help support various charities. One event the students are preparing for is our annual talent show scheduled for October to raise money for Arkansas Children's Hospital and the March of Dimes. We can't wait for what the rest of the year has in store.

Clarksville High School FBLA

District I FBLA Fall, 2013

6

March of Dimes

Paris High School FBLA is doing its best to put “Excellence in Action” as it begins the 2013-2014 school year; however, members’ involvement began well before school started. Eleven PHS FBLA members

attended the National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California to compete in events and attend informative workshops. Matti Huber, State Parliamentarian and Grant Hutson, District I Reporter

attended FBLA officer training in Russellville, Arkansas this summer, as well. Members are looking forward to attending the District I Fall Leadership Conference and the University of the Ozarks Business Conference where they received will compete for awards and scholarships. Members have also begun

several service projects and are already preparing for competitive events. An officer installation ceremony and game night were also held; members enjoyed video games, board games, and a pizza party. They are

looking forward to a great year in FBLA!

Paris High School district and state officers, Emily Richey – ML Treasurer,

Grant Hutson – Reporter, and Matti Huber – State

Parliamentarian.

Paris High School FBLA

The FBLA-PBL organization has been working with the March of Dimes for almost 40 years now. In that time, we have

consistently ranked as one of their top fund-raising partners. The March of Dimes organization is committed to improving the lives of babies

around our country. Arkansas FBLA has a proud history of supporting the March of Dimes.

During the 2001-2002 school year, Arkansas FBLA raised over $80,000 for the March of Dimes, with Arkansas’ Nettleton High School

receiving first place prize for local FBLA chapters in the nation in March of Dimes fund-raising.

In addition to the joys of giving, the March of Dimes offers reward grants of up to $1000 for local chapters and grants of up to $2500 for

state chapters, as well as recognition opportunities at the National Leadership Conference. So support FBLA and the March of Dimes and

make the world a better place!

For more information on FBLA-PBL and March of Dimes, check out

the March of Dimes section of the FBLA-PBL website.

www.fbla-pbl.org/web/page/715/sectionid/587/pagelevel/2/fbla.asp

by Jeremy Jacobs