By EMMA NORMAN – Sixty-Two IHS students qualified for the FBLA State Leadership Conference this year. IHS proudly sent the highest number of students to the State Leadership Conference in years.

The students were expected to do well at the conference and they did not disappoint. Sixteen IHS students placed top ten in their event, and five qualified for the National Leadership Conference. Gunner Sharp, Zach Somerville, Aaron Burkhart, Axel Kovalchik, Owen Dougherty, Donavan Robinson, Brandon Boyer, Chase Cunningham, Hammad Affan, Orlando Clark, Brandon Kanick, Kaden Duffee, Bradley Petras, Sara Kane, Hassan Ali, and Sophee McCabe all placed top ten in their events. Orlando Clark, Brandon Kanick, Kaden Duffee, Sara Kane, and Hassan Ali are all advancing to the National Leadership Conference.

The State Leadership Conference is a great opportunity for students to explore the business world and gain an understanding of how it works. Junior Catherine Bevevino enjoyed her experience at the State Leadership Conference. She remarked, “It was a lot of fun. I learned a lot from the workshops. I loved getting to spend time with my friends at the lodge and hotel. It’s a great learning experience and a great introduction to the business world.”

Advancing on to the National Leadership Conference is a great accomplishment and IHS is proud to send five of their students to represent the state of Pennsylvania. Sophomore Sara Kane is excited about her opportunity to go to Nationals. She commented, “I’m really excited for Nationals. I was really surprised but it felt amazing and I was really proud of myself.”

Sophomore Orlando Clark is also excited about qualifying for Nationals. He stated, “We waited on stage and we waited for them to call our name and we were so surprised when they called us for 5th place. We are very fortunate to be able to qualify for nationals… it was an unreal feeling.”

IHS congratulates the students for placing top ten at the State Leadership Conference and the five who advanced on to the National Leadership Conference.  

[Photo Courtesy: Eddy Williams]

Photo Caption: “Senior Eddy Williams and Junior Parker Fanella gather after the SLC conference.”