Champaign Students Prepare for National Business Conference

News Summary

Students from Champaign Central and Centennial high schools are gearing up for the National Leadership Conference in California. They will compete in various business and marketing events, gain valuable networking opportunities, and showcase their projects, including roleplays, presentations, and social media campaigns. Teachers will accompany them on this educational trip, which emphasizes real-world experience and community support. The students are also actively fundraising to cover costs for the trip.

Champaign, Illinois – Future Business Leaders Head to National Conference

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) clubs from Champaign Central and Centennial high schools are set to attend the National Leadership Conference in California at the end of August 2025. The conference will feature engaging competitions where student members will showcase their talents in business and marketing.

Teachers Eric Fagerlin and Farrah Tuttle from Central High School will be accompanying Eric Springer from Centennial High School on this educational trip. This initiative aims to provide students with real-world experience and valuable networking opportunities.

While not all FBLA members will compete at the conference, those who participate often experience personal and professional growth. Nathalee Abad from Centennial High School is particularly focused on her roleplay event related to sports and entertainment management. In preparation for her event, she has employed Quizlet as a study tool to help her navigate various scenarios effectively.

Individual Competitions and Projects

Other students from the high schools have also been working diligently on their respective projects. Priyam Banerjee from Centennial is gearing up for an entrepreneurship roleplay event that requires her to quickly develop and present solutions based on a prompt. To enhance her readiness, Banerjee has reviewed feedback from previous competitions and watched online videos about roleplay presentations.

Matthew Philip and Sohum Gurrapu from Central are focusing on a group presentation about their collaborative efforts with a real business in India, showcasing their ability to work with international stakeholders. Additionally, Safa Thameem and Kennedy Borden from Centennial have created a “Public Service Announcement” video on healthy workplace habits, which earned them a commendable fourth place during the state competition.

Moreover, Hannah Libman and Aanya Rangaiahgari have been refining a social media campaign aimed at promoting a nonprofit organization. Their preparation involved practice sessions with local business leaders, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in business education.

Networking and Enrichment Opportunities

The students are eagerly looking forward to the networking opportunities available at the conference, where they will meet and interact with peers from around the country. Sohum Gurrapu expressed excitement about traveling outside of Illinois and immersing himself in the diverse experiences that California has to offer. Meanwhile, Aanya Rangaiahgari, who previously placed in the top ten at the conference, is especially eager for the awards ceremony, anticipating recognition for her hard work and dedication.

In addition to the competitions, students will enjoy leisure activities, including attending a Los Angeles Angels baseball game during their free time, further enriching their conference experience.

Funding and Future Plans

To support their trip, the group has been actively fundraising, with travel costs estimated to be around $1,500 per member. They are also seeking additional sponsorship from local businesses to help cover these expenses. The teachers have indicated that plans for future events related to the FBLA clubs will be developed after the conference, continuing the support for students’ aspirations in the business field.

This opportunity not only prepares students for future careers but also reinforces the importance of community support and teamwork within the organization. The preparation and dedication exhibited by these students highlight the value of business education and leadership as they represent Champaign at a national level.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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• Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Education
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