Students from Arkadelphia High School and Goza Middle School won top prizes at Future Business Leaders of America, Inc.’s (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC). The event, held in Anaheim, California from June 29 to July 2, 2025, attracted more than 16,000 middle school and high school students, educators, and volunteers from across the country. The NLC provides education, competition, and networking opportunities centered on business.
Nearly 11,000 students from more than 2,000 middle schools and high schools in 48 U.S. states and territories competed in 100 business-related events for cash prizes totaling over $120,000. Students also had the opportunity to engage in over 120 learning workshops and meet with representatives from more than 260 colleges, universities, and employers, including Alzheimer’s Association, BusinessU, CLA, Empowerly, FICO, Funds2Orgs, Jostens, Kendra Scott, Men’s Wearhouse, UWorld, MBA Research, National Retail Federation, National Technical Honor Society, PNC Bank Student Lending, TKS Worldwide, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Coast Guard.
Additionally, students heard from keynote speaker and proud FBLA alumna, Karissa Bodnar, Founder and CEO of Thrive Causemetics and Bigger Than Beauty Skincare. In a live onstage conversation with FBLA President & CEO Jennifer Woods, Bodnar shared her journey from high school entrepreneur to leading a globally recognized beauty brand rooted in social impact. Her story inspired students to pursue their passions, embrace innovation, and lead with purpose.
Both the high school and middle school FBLA chapters proudly represented Arkadelphia at the 2025 FBLA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California. Several students had the honor of competing on the national stage, and their achievements made the community proud.
From the high school chapter, Brylee Russey and Jadyn Thompson placed 8th in the Local Chapter Annual Business Report event, a reflection of their chapter’s hard work and commitment to excellence. Giselle Marroquin earned 2nd place in the FBLA Mission & Pledge event. She incorporated American Sign Language into her presentation, emphasizing her belief that FBLA should be inclusive to everyone. For placing within the top three, Giselle was awarded $400 in recognition of her outstanding performance.
In addition to individual success, the high school chapter was recognized as a High School National Champion Chapter during a special Membership and Partner Awards Ceremony. Out of 1,098 chapters that earned gold, silver, or bronze status, Arkadelphia High School placed 10th in the nation. The FBLA Champion Chapter program rewards local chapters for excellence in membership recruitment and engagement. By completing a series of challenges across four sections throughout the year, the chapter earned this prestigious national honor.
All of the students were applauded for their dedication and for serving as outstanding ambassadors for their school, community, and state.
“Our students continue to rise to the challenge and prove that excellence isn’t limited by geography,” said FBLA Adviser Ashley Wesley. “Placing in the top 10 nationally and being named a Top Ten Champion Chapter are both testaments to the hard work, leadership, and dedication our members bring to FBLA year-round. We’re also incredibly grateful to our sponsors and community—without their generous support, we wouldn’t be able to attend this conference equipped with the tools and preparation necessary to compete on a national level. Their belief in our students makes all the difference.”
“This year’s National Leadership Conference showcased the remarkable talent and dedication of our student members,” said FBLA President & CEO Jennifer Woods. “From critical thinking and business management to finance, accounting, and information technology, they demonstrated the essential skills that will shape tomorrow’s workforce. These middle school and high school students leave Anaheim with not only well-earned recognition, but also new connections, greater confidence, and a clearer path toward their future careers.”
Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) education association with more than 200,000 middle school, high school, and college members worldwide. FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. The association is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. For more information, visit fbla.org.
Attendees
AHS- Caiden Dickerson, Trace Young, Christian Hunter, Anabelle Davis, Eden Heard, Carly Martin, Brylee Russey, Raena Wheeler, & Jadyn Thompson; Ashley Wesley-Adviser
Goza Middle School- Tiana Berry, Giselle Marroquin, & Anakaye Wilson; Lakesha Berry & Jequetta Berry- Advisers