Wallkill Valley FBLA wins at leadership conference

HAMBURG — Thirty-five members of the Wallkill Valley Regional High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) attended the 2017 FBLA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California, from June 27-July 3.
Those members were Nicole Andretta, Ashley Benecki, Harshil Bhavsar, Kayla Bifano, Matt Brady, Autumn Card, Erin Christmas, Zachary Conklin, Riley Cunniffe, Alexis DeOliveira, Zachary Dora, Rebekah Endrikat, Evan Faner, Kobie Hood, Randi Lyn Hornyak, Hope Inglis, Casey Johannson, Garett Koch, Ryan Kostelnik, Vanessa Kula, Mackenzie Lally, Maci Morano, Drew Langenfeld, Leo Lorenzetti, Michael Majewski, Gina Mazzella, Emma McGuire, John Mueller, Scott Mueller, Anastasia Schroeder, Hannah Sekelsky, Tyler Small, Amanda Spindler, Kaitlyn Taylor, and Madison Yodice. Alexis Casella, FBLA member from Jackson Memorial High School FBLA, joined the Wallkill Valley contingency. They were accompanied by Mrs. Carol Jurkouich, FBLA adviser, Mr. Thomas Jurkouich, Mrs. Michelle Bifano, and Mrs. Laurie Dora.
Members participated in various motivational general sessions and workshops in order to develop their leadership skills. Scott Mueller, New Jersey FBLA State President, and Mrs. Carol Jurkouich, New Jersey’s Outstanding FBLA Adviser of the Year, were honored in the Parade of States at the National Conference Opening Session. Wallkill Valley FBLA placed first in the Nation for the chapter that raised the most money for the March of Dimes. Members hosted Super Night 2016 last November and raised $19,266.
This donation also enabled New Jersey to receive fourth place for the state raising the most money for healthier babies.
The Wallkill Valley chapter received the 2017 Hollis and Kitty Guy Gold Seal Award of Merit in recognition and appreciation of the chapter’s active participation in programs and projects advancing the goals of FBLA-PBL. Wallkill Valley was one of four New Jersey chapters to receive the Diamond Chapter Award in recognition and appreciation of the chapter’s active participation in extensive programs and projects celebrating the 75th anniversary of FBLA-PBL. Scott Mueller has participated in the Business Achievements Award program for the past four years, and he received the highest recognition for completing the America level.
Students had outstanding performances in the following individual and team events and rank in the top 100 in the Nation in their respective events: Future Business Leader – Scott Mueller; Sales Presentation – Michael Majewski; Partnership with Business Project – Scott Mueller, Tyler Small, and Ryan Kostelnik; Public Speaking II – Randi Lyn Hornyak; and Community Service Project – Kaitlyn Taylor, Drew Langenfeld, and Garett Koch. Additionally, Amanda Spindler competed in Business Calculations and Harshil Bhavsar competed in Word Processing and Local Chapter Annual Business Report.
Students were able to take in some sightseeing, including an LA Tour, Disneyland, dinner at Buca Di Beppo; and Newport Beach. Over 12,000 members and advisers attended the conference from across the country, Canada, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, China, and Europe.