The Thayer High School Future Business Leaders of America chapter earned top honors, including a state championship title and a Gold Chapter of the Year Award, at the FBLA State Leadership Conference held April 12 through 14 in Springfield.
The three-day conference brought together more than 5,000 attendees from nearly 400 chapters across Missouri. Members participated in workshops, listened to keynote speakers and engaged in professional networking while competing in 76 distinct events ranging from accounting and business ethics to social media strategies.
Students representing the Thayer chapter at the state conference included Dustin Adams, Kara Britton, Keili Combs, Emma Crowder, Ryleigh Davis, Jacelyn Donahue, Crystal Edwards, Hailey Gorham, Aidan Harvey, Savannah Jackson, JT Ogles, Brady Parker, Reese Pender, Brette Tharp and Grayson Woods.
These students earned their spots at the state level following strong performances at the District 14 FBLA Leadership Conference held Feb. 9 in Hartville.
During the state conference's Awards of Excellence program at the Great Southern Bank Arena, Thayer member Reese Pender was named the state champion after placing first in the Job Interview competition. Savannah Jackson also earned state recognition, placing third in Business Communication and seventh in Public Speaking. Both Pender and Jackson are now eligible to compete at the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio this summer.
The chapter's success extended beyond individual competitions. The Thayer FBLA was awarded the Gold Chapter of the Year Award, accepted by Chapter President Savannah Jackson. The honor recognizes chapters that actively participate in local, state and national activities aligned with the organization’s mission. By completing the requirements for Chapter of the Year, Thayer is automatically eligible for the Gold Seal Chapter Award of Merit, which recognizes the top 15% of chapters statewide.
Additionally, Jackson was awarded the "I Believe" Scholarship and earned Business Achievement Awards at the Leader and Advocate levels. Jackson and Hailey Gorham both received Community Service Awards; Gorham completed 205 hours of community service, while Jackson completed 216 hours.
Thayer FBLA Adviser Teresa Garrison, a retiring educator, was also recognized during the event for her 22 years of service to the organization.
“I am very proud of all our competitors and the support given to us from our administration as well as our community," Garrison said. "I have been honored and proud to be a part of this great organization and community!”
CUTLINE:
Members of the Thayer High School Future Business Leaders of America chapter gather during the FBLA State Leadership Conference held April 12 through 14 in Springfield. Front row, from left: Hailey Gorham, Ryleigh Davis, Reese Pender, Savannah Jackson, Crystal Edwards, Keili Combs and Kara Britton. Back row: Grayson Woods, Jacelyn Donahue, Brady Parker, Brette Tharp, Emma Crowder, Aidan Harvey and Dustin Adams.
COURTESY / THAYER HS
