FBLA

Chopticon High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter 4363 is entering the year with pride, ambition, and a strong push for new members. Led by senior President Ava Scott and supported by their teacher sponsor, Mr. Lacey, the club proudly demonstrates FBLA’s nationwide mission: to prepare students for careers in business by developing leadership, communication, and professional skills.

FBLA is one of the largest career-oriented student organizations in the country, known for its competitive events program, leadership conferences, and community involvement. Members have the opportunity to participate in business-related competitions ranging from roleplays to objective tasks; successful competing teams can advance to regionals, states, and even national conferences where scholarships and awards are offered.

Lacey referenced the national organization’s policies as the ones they follow at Chopticon. This policy states that FBLA stands for Future Business Leaders of America, the largest Career and Technical Student Organization in the country. It aims to prepare “middle school, high school, and college students for careers in business and entrepreneurship through leadership development, academic competitions, and real-world experience.”

“It offers programs like the Business Achievement Awards (BAA) and Community Service Awards (CSA) to build skills in service, education, and progress, connecting students with business principles and career planning for a global society," the website continues.

At Chopticon, the club meets weekly on Tuesdays during B lunch, with officers meeting once a month to plan activities. Meetings typically focus on preparing for upcoming conferences, organizing fundraisers, arranging community service projects, and participating in FBLAOPOLY, a task-board activity modeled after Monopoly. Members complete business-related challenges to earn points toward national-level awards.

FBLAopoly chart used to complete tasks over the school year.

This year, the club’s biggest goal is simple: grow membership and increase schoolwide engagement. Anyone is welcome to join, and while the full membership fee is $25, students may still participate in the club even without paying. The fee is only required for conferences and off-campus events. Regardless of payment, members still gain exposure to business concepts, leadership opportunities, and hands-on experiences in the business world.

Chopticon’s FBLA has a history of creative events, including the Maker’s Market & Food Truck Festival, which functioned as a vendor fair designed to raise funds for the club’s competition travel. They have also completed community outreach projects such as collecting donations for St. Mary’s Animal Shelter, demonstrating their commitment to giving back.

Another road to success chart used to track activities and goals.

This year, the club hopes to reignite student enthusiasm after the cancellation of its planned talent show. Officers are currently brainstorming new fundraising and spirit-building ideas. They also plan to visit local middle schools to encourage early participation and help younger students discover FBLA and all its benefits before entering high school.

With fresh ideas, committed uprising leaders, and a focus on strengthening both the club and the community, Chopticon’s FBLA is ready to make this year one of its strongest yet. Whether students dream of running a company, gaining leadership experience, or simply joining a supportive and active organization, FBLA offers a place to grow, connect, and lead.

Chopticon’s FBLA club members at a Maryland conference

If you are considering joining or have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mr. Lacey at bjlacey@smcps.org or stop by room A103 for more information.

Link to CHS’s FBLA Website: https://sites.google.com/smcps.org/fbla/fundraisers?authuser=0

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