This year’s NLC was attended by the National FBLA secretary Courtney Ferguson, who is a high school senior from New York. Courtney was generously welcomed by the Maine chapters and some Oak Hill students had the pleasure of rooming with her. Many members took the chance to talk with Courtney and learn about her experiences as the National Secretary and the responsibilities involved. They also learned a little about Courtney herself and how life in New York differs from life in Maine.

The FBLA chapter departed from Oak Hill on Sunday, March 15 and arrived at the Windham Hotel in South Portland around 3 p.m. After arriving, the entire chapter ate supper at Olive Garden and then roamed the Maine Mall for a few hours. Although shopping and dining out was fun, the real fun began after returning to the Windham. Sunday night the chapter was treated to an ice cream social where games and ice cream sundaes were provided. The event allowed Oak Hill students to mingle with other students from other schools and let loose before competitions the next day.

Early Monday morning, the NLC officially started. Three Oak Hill students helped presided over the conference as State Officers this year, elected at last year’s NLC. Seniors Maggie O’Connell, Josh Sirois, and Ken Bergeron represented Oak Hill well as the 2008-2009 State Officers.

Monday was a long and grueling day for all FBLA members, who participated in tests over various business and business related subjects and/or presented projects they had worked on prior to the conference. The day’s activities also included a center piece and poster contest, a door decorating contest, and a scavenger hint. Many Oak Hill students were engaged in multiple activities throughout the course of the day and all members were rewarded with a banquet dinner that night.

Sunday began with breakfast provided by the hotel, and a two student speeches, one of which was delivered by an Oak Hill freshman, Darby Boulieu. The members then attended caucusing for the State Officers. Two Oak Hill sophomores, Sara LaCroix and Devon Adair, ran for State Office this year, both of whom were elected. After caucusing, various workshops were put on by advisors, state officers and other volunteers, the favorite workshop being an interactive Zumba class, where students got to get up and dance. The conference closed with a celebratory luncheon and the announcement of awards and state champions. Many Oak Hill students received awards in first, second, or third place in many categories, and Oak Hill’s chapter was able to capture the title of State Champs for the eighth year in a row. Overall, the conference was a large success and a lot of fun.

Copy the Story Link