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The Lowndes County Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter recently introduced its 2024 officers to the community. Coordinated under the umbrella of the Lowndes County Public Schools’ Career Technical Center, the chapter services both Central High School in Hayneville and The Calhoun Schools, helping prepare students with professional and leadership skills training.

Elected in May, officers are gearing up to host the chapter’s first meeting for the 2024-25 school year. Introducing themselves in a video designed for social media recently are elected officials: President Jakayden Seawright, Vice President Janyale Harris, Secretary Martavius Marshall, Assistant Secretary Ayala Johnson, Treasurer Koliah Blackmon, Historian Kenyatta Mason, Parliamentarian Joshua Cain and Executive Committee Overseer JaDaija Gresham.

“Their dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership are sure to make a significant impact,” said FBLA coordinator Bridget Davis. “We’re excited to see the great things they’ll accomplish and the new initiatives they’ll bring to our community!”

According to Davis, FBLA is a professional student organization where participants can gain training and experience at the local, state and national level.

“Students have a chance to learn leadership skills, network and attend workshops and conferences,” Davis said. “They compete in different events, like the state leadership conference. If they win at the state leadership, they’ll move up to the national leadership conference. Last year, we had 10 students who won a state and moved to a national competition in Orlando.”

Over the summer, officers work so that everything is in place for the new school year, Davis explained. On Thursday, Sept. 12, the chapter will conduct its first membership meeting.

Board membership requires a personal commitment from students, who agreed to gather suits at their own expense in order to represent the chapter’s professional image.

“This is the first year we have done the suits,” Davis said. “The students were excited and have said, ‘I feel professional today,’ while wearing them. If they look professional, they are going to be professional. They are growing up, learning new things to be a better adult.

“Being in FBLA gives them opportunities to build confidence, meet different students and have experiences outside of Lowndes County. They are learning to step outside of their comfort zone.”

Lowndes County Schools Superintendent Samita Jeter said the positive FBLA experiences prepare them to invest in the local community.

“FBLA allows our students to develop leadership skills,” Jeter said. “These skills will prepare them to become invested in their community.  We hope that they will acquire skills that will set them apart from the average student upon graduation, with the possibility of gaining their dream career.”