The Mount Pleasant High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members hosted the Area 6 Fall Leadership Conference on Thursday, October 26. In addition to the MPHS chapter, nine other high school chapters from Harts Bluff, Chapel Hill, Sulphur Bluff, Union Hill, Gilmer, Athens, Tyler High, Alto, and Dallas Bryan Adams, and two middle level chapters including Mount Pleasant and Alto made for over 300 students and advisors in attendance. It was the largest fall leadership conference in more than 15 years according to FBLA State Officer Coordinator, Donna Crook.

MPHS Career and Technology Education Director, Karl Whitehurst, MPHS FBLA Lead Advisor and State Board Member, John Whitten, and Area 6 State Vice President, Sophie Greco, greeted and welcomed all the guests in attendance. Darren Palmer and Matthew Armstrong, both MPHS graduates, served as keynote speakers. Palmer spoke on becoming a market leader, identifying yourself as a brand, and qualities needed to become a leader. Armstrong, the first ever FBLA state officer from MPHS, spoke on how FBLA provided the necessary leadership skills to thrive in high school, college, and in the work force.

High school students attended three workshops including “Break the Ice”, “Preparing for the Next Step”, and “Basic Guide to Giving That Speech”. “Break the Ice” included ice breaker games focused on having students meet other members from other chapters and was presented by Greco and two area officers from MPHS, Angelina Hernandez and Gopi Amin, Trinity Tidball from Union Hill, and Isela Gonzalez from Chapel Hill. “Preparing for the Next Step” focused on preparing for life beyond high school, including college and careers, and preparing for job interviews, and was

presented by Armstrong. In “Basic Guide to Giving That Speech” Crook focused on preparing to speak to others, elements of an effective speech, and what to avoid when talking to others.

Middle level students also attended “Break the Ice” and “Preparing for the Next Step” and a workshop on choosing a competitive event geared specifically toward middle school, first time FBLA competitors.

The MPHS Culinary Department provided lunch for the attendees including tacos, churros, and cake. And students had the opportunity to win donated door prizes at the end of the workshop.

MPISD FBLA will compete at the annual Area VI Leadership Conference on January 22 at the Region VIII Education Service Center. MPHS FBLA Advisors are John Whitten, Shanta Lockett, and Tracy Porter. MPISD FBLA Middle Level Advisors are Dana Armstrong (Wallace) and Daisy Banda (MPJH).

Photo:

1: MPHS FBLA Fall Leadership Conference attendees