By: Mrs. Karla Ludemann
The Wyoming High School Future Business Leaders of America had their state conference in Laramie, Wyoming on March 13-15 at the College of Business on the University of Wyoming Campus. There were over 600 members present in 34 chapters. In attendance for Upton High School were 25 members, adviser Mrs. Karla Ludemann, and guest Amanda Knapp. Attendees wore business attire to the opening session, workshops, presentations, tests, recognition & campaign session, college career fair and exhibits, and closing ceremony. Casual attire was worn to the night activities which included a movie and dance.
The opening session was held on Wednesday night at the A & S Auditorium on the University of Wyoming Campus. Emma Gustaf sang the National Anthem to start the Opening Ceremony. Local president Chase Mills introduced himself and advisor Mrs. Ludemann in a Parade of Presidents and Advisers. The Upton chapter received many awards which included: Champion Chapter Summer Starter, Champion Chapter Shaping Success, Champion Chapter Service Season, Champion Chapter CTE Celebration, and Champion +. Individual awards were given for Business Achievement to Karstyn Garcia, Kate Newbaugher and Kelly Cork. Kate Newbaugher campaign manager, introduced Karstyn Garcia for her four-minute campaign speech for the state office of Secretary. Garcia was also sequestered to answer questions.
On Thursday students competed in their events at the College of Business on the University of Wyoming Campus. Karsyn Garcia supported a booth for other members in the state to talk to her about her campaign. Amanda Knapp donated her skills and time at the conference by judging events and helping with members.
The Closing Awards Ceremony was Friday at the A & S Auditorium on the University of Wyoming Campus. Upton placed top four in eleven events.
State Results
Jilly Jean Jackson, Xyla Rehling and Caden Simianer: 1st Partnership with Business
Carson Barritt and Matt Stirmel: 1st Web Design
Kailer Duarte and Chase Mills: 1st American Enterprise
Kelly Cork, Erin Bears and Brodie Kelly: 1st Data Analysis
Matt Stirmel: 2nd UX Design
Rhett Watt, Matt Stirmel and Kailer Duarte: 2nd Entrepreneurship
Keanu Duarte: 2nd Introduction Financial Math
Ethan Schiller, Matt Stirmel and Chase Mills: 2nd Business Plan
Reece Riehemann, Karstyn Garcia and Addison Gustaf: 2nd Community Service
Kelly Cork, Erin Bears and Brodie Kelly: 3rd Banking
Breeley Materi and Maddie Mills: 3rd Local Chapter Annual Business Report
Karstyn Garcia was inducted into office as the 2024-2025 State Secretary during the closing session.
Thanks to Mrs. Knapp for attending and all the teachers for their help in getting the students ready for state competition.