On September 6, 2024, the officers of Stroudsburg’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) took a trip to Stroudsburg Junior High on a mission to recruit freshmen for the 24-25 FBLA Season.
The officers included: President Jessica Haggerty, ‘25; Senior Vice Presidents Alisabeth Guepet, ‘25 and Will Awuah, ‘25; Secretary Alexis Binikos, ‘25; Treasurer Leyla Yilmaz, ‘26; Reporter Nichole Ogwu, ‘27; Chairperson of Business Partnerships Jaden Harper, ‘25; Chairperson of Career Development Zoey Charles, ‘27; Chairperson of Community Service Gigi Parker, ‘25, and Co-chairperson of Community Service Lile Bekaia, ‘27.
The officers broke into groups of three or four and spread throughout the school, working hard to convince the freshmen to join FBLA. With a presentation previously prepared, they discussed FBLA’s mission, chapter levels, officer team, benefits of joining, volunteering opportunities, trip locations, competitive events, this year’s state charity, and most importantly, how to join.
Senior VP, Will Awuah, ’25, and Chairperson of Career Development, Zoey Charles, ’27, explain the locations and types of competitive events to new and previous members. Photo by Rebecca Dishong.
The team focused on the numerous competitive events offered. They discussed how to move up to the regional, state, and national level and touched on the awards, recognitions, and possible cash prizes that could be earned as a competitor moves up in the competition.
The officers emphasized that FBLA was not just for business and that it can used to benefits one’s interests. With 50+ competitive events to choose from, as well as a multitude of fundraising and volunteer opportunities, there’s a place for everyone!
Taking on a new approach to their opening meeting, the officers organized a fair set up rather than another form of presenting.
“Our officer team decided to have an FBLA fair so that old and new members could experience all parts of FBLA for themselves,” explains Senior Vice President, Will Awuah, ’25. “I could see there were lots of people engaged and willing to learn about events that they could compete in later.”
The fair setup was viewed as a success by advisors, Jodie Haggerty and Stacy Stephani, and the officer team. There was a visible increase in membership engagement as new members and previous members were interacting and exploring areas of interests with the club.
If you’re interested in joining FBLA, stop by Mrs. Haggerty’s room at G107 or Mrs. Stephanie’s room at H222 to pick up a form today. If you have any questions, email Mrs. Haggerty at jhaggert@sburg.org.