The Arkadelphia High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) recently returned from the 2025 Arkansas FBLA State Leadership Conference in Little Rock with impressive achievements and national aspirations. Competing against top students from across the state, AHS FBLA members demonstrated excellence in leadership, communication, and business skills — earning high honors and qualifying for national competition.
Fourteen AHS students earned top awards in their competitive events and have secured a spot to represent Arkansas at the FBLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Anaheim, California this June. These students will compete on a national stage while continuing to develop valuable career skills through workshops, networking, and leadership opportunities.
AHS students advanced in the following events:
- Digital Video Production, 1st place: Caiden Dickerson & Trace Young
- Website Design, 1st place: Taylor Aultman & Millie Babb
- Introduction to Public Speaking, 2nd place: Jadyn Thompson
- Local Chapter Annual Business Report, 1st place: Brylee Russey & Jadyn Thompson
- Visual Design, 4th place: Sophia Clark, Julia Greenwich & Carsyn Vaughan
- Electronic Career Portfolio, 1st place: Christian Hunter
- Introduction to Business Presentation, 3rd place: Anabelle Davis, Eden Heard, & Carly Martin
- Introduction to Event Planning, 3rd place: Raena Wheeler
In addition to individual and team event success, the Arkadelphia chapter received recognition for its outstanding overall performance:
- 4th Place – Largest Chapter Membership in Arkansas
- Hollis & Kitty Guy Gold Seal Chapter of Merit Award
Goza Middle School also made a strong showing at the conference, with four students qualifying for the National Leadership Conference in middle-level events. These students will proudly represent Arkadelphia in the following categories:
- Exploring Business Issues, 4th place: Tiana Berry
- Video Game Challenge, 3rd place: Tyson Brumfield
- FBLA Mission & Pledge, 2nd place: Giselle Marrouquin
- Learning Strategies, 1st place: Anakaye Wilson
These emerging leaders have shown exceptional promise and will join the high school team in Anaheim this summer.
“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and determination our students have shown throughout this year,” said FBLA Adviser Ashley Wesley. “They’ve grown tremendously in confidence and professionalism. It’s an honor to see them rewarded for their efforts.”
As the team prepares for the National Leadership Conference, they are actively fundraising to help offset travel and conference-associated costs. In addition to fundraising efforts, the group is seeking sponsorships from local businesses, churches, and individuals who want to invest in the future of these young leaders. Current fundraising opportunities include the sale of limited edition 2024 Football State Championship shirts, a Nothing Bundt Cakes fundraiser, and a series of Chicken Express Fundraising Nights on April 21, April 28, May 5, and May 12.
Community members who would like to place an order, make a donation, or sponsor a student may reach out to adviser Ashley Wesley at ashley.wesley@arkadelphiaschools.org.