Crestwood FBLA Celebrated for Community Impact and Achievement

The Crestwood Board of Education honored the high school chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) during its meeting on January 8, 2024. This recognition celebrates the team’s significant achievements in business competitions and their commitment to community service.

The Crestwood FBLA team, known as the Comets, has made a remarkable impact, with a current membership of 181 students, representing approximately one-fifth of the entire high school student body. Since 2021, membership has surged by 111 students. Crestwood FBLA President Avery Pisano, a senior, expressed pride in her team’s accomplishments, emphasizing the balance between developing business skills and giving back to the community.

This year, Pisano spearheaded a Capstone project titled “Housewarming for Heroes,” which provided 50 baskets of essential household items to the Department of Veterans Affairs Wilkes-Barre Medical Center for homeless veterans. She stated, “We try our best to do a lot for the community and ourselves, to build our skills and better our community together.”

During the ceremony, several FBLA members presented an overview of their recent successes. Notably, 128 students secured top-10 finishes at various competitions this year, and 73 qualified for the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference, which will take place in Hershey in April. The chapter’s faculty advisor, Christy Laubach, highlighted that Crestwood’s FBLA program is currently ranked No. 2 in the state, with aspirations to achieve the top position this year.

Community Engagement and Competitive Excellence

Beyond competitions, the Crestwood FBLA team actively participates in numerous community service initiatives. They have engaged in projects such as the virtual Stock Market Game, business challenge simulations, and the LifeSmart challenges. In November, the officer team attended the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership workshop at the Kalahari Convention Center in the Poconos.

Vice President Adison Huber expressed the benefits of FBLA membership, stating, “I just think it is a good way to network with other people from other school districts, gain leadership skills, and compete at a fun level.” Fellow member Julianna Dodge shared her positive experience, noting that participation in workshops helped her discover her talent for presenting, which boosted her confidence.

Crestwood’s FBLA chapter has consistently performed well, receiving the Gold Seal Merit and Gold Champion Chapter awards three times. At the upcoming national FBLA competition in Anaheim, California, Crestwood junior Nidhi Patel previously achieved ninth place in the Introduction to Business Procedures competition.

The team has also made significant contributions to their community. This year, they provided 132 backpacks filled with school supplies to local elementary students, raised $1,856.71 for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, created Veterans Day cards, donated five truckloads of food to St. Paul’s Church, and collected toys for local children during the holidays.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

Crestwood senior Kyra Bechtel, the chapter historian, reflected on the rich history of FBLA at Crestwood, which was founded in 1981. “FBLA has been a really big influence throughout Crestwood’s history,” she said. “I feel really proud to be able to call myself a member of the FBLA, just knowing some of the amazing people who have come before me.”

Laubach, who revitalized the FBLA program at Crestwood 26 years ago, shared her own journey. As a former FBLA chapter president at Hazleton Area High School, she credits mentor Joseph Gavio for inspiring her dedication to business education. This year, Laubach was recognized as the Outstanding Advisor of the Year by Pennsylvania FBLA.

Crestwood school board member Shawn Gallagher expressed strong support for the program, stating, “As a person that’s in business, I’m a huge fan of this program. The stuff you’re learning is real. This is stuff you’re going to use.” Fellow board member Nanci Romanyshyn further acknowledged the community’s recognition of the team’s efforts, regardless of competition outcomes.

Pisano concluded the ceremony by expressing gratitude for the recognition the chapter received. She emphasized the significance of FBLA in shaping her future, stating, “FBLA seemed like something I would be able to carry with me for the rest of my life.”

As a testament to their accomplishments, the team was presented with a state House citation from Rep. Alec Ryncavage, R-119, Hanover Township. The citation, co-signed by House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-191, acknowledged the chapter members for exemplifying the organization’s mission. Furthermore, the state House has designated the week of February 8 to February 14 as National FBLA Week, highlighting the importance of the organization and its contributions to students and communities alike.