(Galloway, NJ), (7-14-22)—Five Absegami High School students were among the more
than 12,000 participants from across the United States and abroad who attended the
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC)
earlier this month in Chicago - the first “in person” national conference since 2019.
During their 6 days in Chicago, students enhanced their business skills, expanded their
networks, participated in more than 70 business and business-related competitive
events, and explored the city and its attractions. True to the conference theme,
participants demonstrated how “Success Starts Here” in FBLA.
Rising sophomores Mahi Patel and Ria Patel made Absegami High School history -
becoming the first team from the school to “place” nationally. Patel and Patel were
awarded 4th Honors in the Introduction to Business Presentation competitive event, out
of 107 teams from across the US and China. They were the only New Jersey team to
advance to the finals in that extremely competitive event, and 1 of only 14 teams
nationwide to do so. Additionally, 2022 graduates Khushi Shah and Laura Mayfield
represented Absegami and the State of New Jersey at NLC by competing in the
Healthcare Administration objective test, and rising senior Sameera Hossain not only
competed in the Public Speaking event, but also represented New Jersey as an
incoming FBLA State Officer. The students are coached, mentored and advised by
Business Education Teacher, Dawn Kosko.
“I am extremely proud of our hard-working FBLA students. Mahi, Ria, Khushi, Laura and
Sameera represented Absegami High School, the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High
School District, and the entire state of New Jersey at this national event with
professionalism and maturity beyond their years,” Kosko said. She went on to say that
the chapter is looking forward to returning to next year’s FBLA NLC to be held in
Atlanta, GA.
During some downtime at the beginning and at the end of the Conference, the students
had the opportunity to explore the city and its attractions. They visited Cloud Gate (aka
“The Bean”), Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the SkyDeck at Willis Tower, and they
enjoyed some deep dish pizza. Also, the group took a 1 1⁄2 hour river cruise to learn
about the unique architecture of the city through the Chicago Architecture Foundation
Center.
Absegami High School’s FBLA chapter is working toward building community business
partnerships and holding events to raise money for students to participate in next year’s
opportunities. To become a sponsor or to make a donation, please contact FBLA
Adviser, Dawn Kosko, at dkosko@gehrhsd.net.
About FBLA-PBL, Inc.
Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda, Inc., (FBLA-PBL) is the largest
business career and technical student organization in the world. Each year, FBLA-PBL
helps over 230,000 members prepare for careers in business. FBLA-PBL’s mission is to
inspire and prepare students to become community-minded business leaders in a global
society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. The
association is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C.