While many were asleep at 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 28, San Gabriel students were already up to attend the annual Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competition in Valencia. As they dressed in their finest business attire and prepared to fulfill a day they have trained for all school year, none of the students could have predicted the many accolades they would win. San Gabriel High School with 102 students competing won 77 plaques in 30 events, ultimately taking first place in sweepstakes with a lead of 32 plaques over second place winner Gabrielino High School. Sweepstakes awards are based on points for each event won.
“[Our chapter] did extremely well this year, since we took first against two-time champion Gabrielino High School,” adviser Qui Nguy said. “I think this is the first year [we’ve ever] taken first place in sweepstakes and in the Alhambra Unified School District in general.”
The Mission Valley Section Conference was held at Magic Mountain with 450 participants from 15 high schools. The students spent all day attending intense workshops and fiercely competing in 30 individual and team events, with topics ranging from Insurance and Risk Management to Job Interview, to qualify for the State Leadership Conference held in Santa Clara on April 9-12. Forty-three San Gabriel FBLA members successfully advanced to state where they will get a second opportunity to represent San Gabriel and the district.
Other AUSD high schools also competed: Mark Keppel placed fourth and Alhambra placed eighth in sweepstakes. Mark Keppel took a team of 25 students and brought home a combined 18 top ten awards, advancing 17 students to the State Leadership Conference. FBLA advisers, Gladys Baca and Cynthia Fillpot, were proud to accompany the students and witness their accomplishments.
During the months prior to competition, the students prepared by attending mandatory study sessions after school and learning the material through self-study, a practice they will continue till the State Leadership Conference.
Photo Caption A:
Pictured are San Gabriel High School students who placed in the top 10 in their FBLA events at the Mission Valley Section Conference on Feb. 28 in Valencia.
Photo Caption B: Mark Keppel High School’s FBLA contingent poses for a picture before the awards ceremony at the Mission Valley Section Conference.
(Posted 3/15)