GHS FBLA attends Omaha conference
Twenty-two members of Gainesville High School’s FBLA, along with adviser Patsy Hambelton and additional chaperone Tanya Johnson, traveled to Omaha, Nebraska, recently for the 2015 National Fall Leadership Conference Nov. 6-7 at the Omaha Hilton and Convention Center. Traveling with the Gainesville chapter members were members and advisers from Mountain Grove, Couch and Fulton chapters.
Traveling through the night, the group arrived in Omaha on the morning of Nov. 5. Gainesville chapter president and Missouri state parliamentarian Thomas Pointer, along with fellow FBLA, Middle-Level, Phi Beta Lambda and professional division members, greeted the Missouri delegation of more than 300 members at the Missouri State Meeting.
The opening session welcomed more than 2,300 members and advisers who were inspired by keynote speaker Patty Hendrickson to go out, meet new people and be active in their chapter. The students learned many helpful tips about leadership and managing their chapter’s March of Dimes fundraisers and getting ready for the competitive events in their conference workshops.
During the closing session the participants heard from Aaron Davis, business owner, author and Nebraska Cornhuskers football television broadcast announcer.
Along with learning beneficial leadership skills, the students visited the Henry Doorly Zoo and attended a performance of Shaping Sound at the Orpheum Theatre. They enjoyed a meal at Spaghetti Works sponsored by Chris Harlin, CEO of Century Bank of the Ozarks. On the last night, students got to dance for a good cause at the Blue Jeans for Babies Dance, with all donations going to the March of Dimes.
GHS chapter member Hillary Souder said the Omaha event “was a very good experience and one of the best trips I have gone on through FBLA.”
<p>Gainesville FBLA members who attended the recent fall leadership conference in Omaha were, front row from left: Latifa Ben Awadh, Faith Harlin, Kati Dunn, Legan Tiller, Ethan Hannaford, Rebekah Cummings, Lisa Burke, and Martina Hershberger. Back: Ryia SanFilippo, Hillary Souder, Shelby Kinsey, Destiny Scott, Farrah Chambers, Aliey Slowtalker, Liz Herd, Rylen Wynn, Shaoan Xi, Sage Lane, Hannah Lewis, Lindsie Garrison and Scout Jeckstadt. Not pictured: Thomas Pointer.</p>
<p>GHS FBLA chapter president and Missouri state parliamentarian Thomas Pointer, center, welcomed his fellow FBLA members to the recent National Fall Leadership Conference in Omaha, Nebraska. With Thomas are other Missouri state FBLA officers, from left, Molly Shannon, Bryce Ensor, Andy Pogue, Thomas Pointer, Amber Raub, Luke Dyer and Arista Johnson.</p>
