BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Martin County Area Technology Center FBLA students and business instructor Thomas Ray shared the chapter’s success story during a luncheon Thursday hosted by the Kiwanis Club at Masterpiece Kitchen & Cafe in Inez.
The chapter leadership presented insights into the significance of FBLA and the invaluable opportunities it provides for networking and professional development.
Under the guidance of Ray, who has been teaching at the center for four years, the FBLA chapter has seen remarkable growth—from five participants in the 2022-2023 school year to 29 this year. That is despite the fact that Ray’s tenure at the school began in the “COVID year” with limited classroom time.
In an impressive showcase of talent and dedication, FBLA students made their mark at the recent Region 5 Leadership Conference at Morehead State University, sweeping a significant number of awards and setting their sights on the upcoming state competition in Louisville in April. They returned from the conference with a dozen trophies.
“I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of these students, but not just these students but those before them,” Ray remarked, reflecting on the journey and achievements of his students.
The awards spanned various categories.
First place in Broadcast Journalism was claimed by Keilan Jewell, Sarah Keener and Grace Caldwell.
Hallie Mills excelled in Network Infrastructure, securing first place.
Chandler Preece delivered an outstanding Sales Presentation to win first place.
Mason McCoy dominated in Supply Chain Management, also taking first place.
The Talent Show saw Bradley Goble shine, earning him top honors.
McKenzie Haney won second place in Agribusiness, while Jayla Jordan claimed second place in Business Communications.
Emma Gully took third in Human Resource Management, Madelyn Crum third in Journalism, and BJ Parsley third in UX Design.
In support of the students’ continued journey, the Kiwanis Club donated $500 to assist with expenses for the upcoming state competition.