KHS dominates at FBLA conference

by Christopher Jastrab
Kaiserslautern High School


Debra Hipes, a teacher at Kaiserslautern High School and president of the board of advisers for Future Business Leaders of America-Europe, took 16 KHS students to the annual FBLA State Leadership Conference to compete in a variety of events, and much to her credit, every student who participated and competed brought home a medal.

In total, KHS brought home 37 medals, 19 of which were first place gold medals.
Brittany Lorish and Jana Cain, who were on the FBLA state board, also played key roles helping organize the entire conference.

The annual leadership conference, which is held at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, fosters the development of basic business skills. It will help students interested in studying business succeed in college and future careers.

The competitive events range from individual skills, such as public speaking, business ethics and interviewing, to larger team events, such as developing a business plan and the Virtual Business Challenge.

Bringing home the most medals for KHS was Jessica Fry and Danielle Holland with five medals, followed by Joey Giorgi with four medals. The honor of most first prize medals went to Chris Jastrab and Danielle Holland, who brought home three gold medals.

FBLA is open to all KHS students. Participating students attend meetings, fundraise, participate in club activities and, of course, prepare for the annual state leadership conference.