If you have noticed all of the advertising that Ms. Leslie Lemon and her club have been doing around Oakdale, you are probably wondering what the FBLA is. The FBLA, or Future Business Leaders of America, meets every Friday during SET.

Aside from meeting every week, members of the FBLA also take part in competitions at the Regional and State levels.

Ms. Lemon, FBLA advisor and Independent Living, Personal Finance, and Microsoft teacher at OHS, has been a member for 20 years. When asked what sparked her interest in the club, she responded, “It is about business, networking, and interacting with other people. And I like the competitions; we’re all about the competitions.”

Last year, the FBLA competed in the State competition in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Members competed in different events, such as Accounting, Business Calculations, Sports Management and Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, and Job Interviews. “There were also different seminars that we could attend which were taught by people who have earned their Master’s in Business,” explained Amani Walker, a Senior at OHS and a member of the FBLA since her Junior year.

As the club advisor, Ms. Lemon plays many roles. “I proctor a lot of tests at competitions. When we go over to the state competition in Hunt Valley, I make sure everyone gets to their competition and is prepared.”

Walker stated that Ms. Lemon motivated her to join the FBLA by promoting it in her class last year. “She would say something about it, and it sounded interesting so I decided to try it,” stated Walker.

Inside the FBLA, it is Walker’s job to help with the club fundraising and to help people decide in which competitions they want to participate. Walker also sees herself having a business-related career in the future.

The FBLA also provides the members with multiple scholarship opportunities, and helps them find networking and internship opportunities. This club also opens up possibilities for recommendations for certain programs at certain schools.

Currently, there are twelve members in the FBLA. “[We] plan on expanding to anyone who wants to involve themselves in the club,” declared Walker.

They are holding elections for this year’s representatives soon. Walker is planning on running for President.  

So if you are interested in pursuing a career in business and like to compete, you should stop by Ms. Lemon’s classroom in B207 to find out more information about the FBLA!