Students from Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter earned national recognition at the FBLA Collegiate National Leadership Conference held recently in Las Vegas, Nevada, with six of the college’s ten competitors placing among the top ten in the nation in their respective events.
Several Co-Lin students finished as the highest-ranked community college competitors in the country, competing against students from colleges and universities nationwide.
Thomas Baker of Brookhaven earned a sixth-place national finish in Foundations of Economics. Baker was the highest-ranked community college student in the event, and only two community college students advanced to the Top 12 finals.
Olivia Vaughn of Union Church placed seventh nationally in Project Management, also earning recognition as the highest-ranked community college student in the competition. Vaughn was one of only two community college students to advance to the finals in her event.
The team of Anna McKenzie of Smithdale, Clay Boyd of Bogue Chitto and Jarvis Walker of Crystal Springs earned a seventh-place national finish in the Hospitality Management Case Competition, demonstrating strong problem-solving and business strategy skills against top competitors from across the nation.
Ethan Coleman of Meadville placed seventh nationally in Impromptu Speaking, showcasing his communication and public speaking abilities.
The team of Baker and Vaughn placed eighth nationally in Business Presentation. They were the only community college competitors to finish among the Top 10 in the event.
“Our students represented Co-Lin exceptionally well on the national stage,” said Dr. Richard Baker, Vice President of Business Affairs and FBLA co-advisor. “To have multiple students finish as the highest-ranked community college competitors in the nation speaks volumes about their dedication, preparation, and talent. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments.”
The FBLA Collegiate National Leadership Conference brings together some of the nation’s top business students to compete in a variety of business, management, communication, and leadership events.