The Crowley’s Ridge Academy Future Business Leaders of America members have been busy this year. The FBLA them selected for the 2002-2003 year was "Soaring to New Heights." Students kicked off the year with Membership Week where students in grades 9-12 were encouraged to join. Upon joining, students were presented with an FBLA decorative name tag for their locker. Chapter officers were also selected: jared Weston, President; Jacob Sandlin, Vice-President; Tracy Bianco, Secretary; and Jared Winters, Reporter.
On September 22, 2002, 66 of the 74 members traveled to Jonesboro, AR for the District II Fall Leadership Conference. Students there enjoyed learning FBLA trivia, cheering for Jared Weston, Chapter President, in a Parade of Presidents, and a very entertaining and enthusiastic message presented by Dr. Harvey Alston.
During the year, FBLA members baked and sold Otis Spunkmeyer cookies and worked in the Falcon Concession Stand to raise money to participate in the State Leadership Conference in April.
Members also participated in service projects benefiting both the school and community. Candy-Grams and Val-O-Grams were sold to the entire student body during the Holiday and Valentine seasons, respectively. Students in business classes typed the messages, cut and attached candy to each, and delivered them to the recipients. Proceeds from the Val-O-Grams were donated to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital and all revenue from Val-O-Gram sales was contributed to the March of Dimes. In addition, members also participated in a Community Service Marathon. For this service project, the entire student body was encouraged to make valentines and bring them to the business department. FBLA members then delivered these valentines and visited with the residents of the Paragould Nursing and Rehab Center on Saturday, February 15, 2003.
On Saturday, February 22, eleven students attended the District II Spring Leadership Conference at Nettleton High School in Jonesboro. These students competed in various skill, performance, and written events. Of these students, Kyle Wood received 6th place in Business Communications, Andy Hutchison received 9th place in Business Math, the team of Jacob Horn, Kyle Dickerson, and Jared Weston received 5th place in entrepreneurship, Carter Ford received 6th place in FBLA Principles and Procedures, and Garrett Webb received 3rd place in Public Speaking I. The Crowley’s Ridge Academy FBLA Chapter also earned 4th place in Largest Local Chapter Membership and won 1st place for the Market Share Award. Garrett Webb also campaigned and was elected as the District II Reporter for the 2003-2004 school year. The students enjoyed the day’s activities and benefited from the experience. Six students also attended the State Leadership Conference on April 14-15 in Little Rock. Crowley’s Ridge Academy was named a Gold Seal Chapter and was awarded 1st place for Largest Chapter Membership Market share. Garrett Webb placed in the top ten in Public Speaking I.
FBLA has had a very active and productive year. The students are excited about the successes thus far and continue to look to the future as they "Soar to New Heights". Thanks for all of your help and support.
By Ms. Amy Whitaker
Below are some of the pictures from the various competitions during the 2003-2004 school year.
Great success at State - Kyle Wood, Garrett Webb, Andy Hutchison, Deana Davis, Carter Ford, and Jake Jarrett represented CRA well at the state competition. That's the good news. The even better news is that none of these students graduated this year, so they should return with more confidence and know-how for the competitions next year.
Catching some Z's - Andy, Carter, Jake, Deana, and Kyle rest a while at the state competition.
Four district amigos - Garrett, Andy, Kyle, and Carter show off their hardware from the district competition.
Now that's some NACHOS SUPREME - Deana has the munchies as she begins to tackle the nachoes at the state conference.
Presenting the Reporter - Garrett Webb performed really well, earning a top ten in the public speaking competition, as well as winning the nomination for the District II Reporter.