Bunker Hill Middle School eighth-grade students Mariah Groff and Daniel Hillig recently were recognized with top honors in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference. Both students, who will be freshmen at Washington Township High School in the fall, received national recognition in the FBLA National Magazine, “Tomorrow’s Business Leader.” The conference was held virtually for the first time ever throughout the month of June due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Participants from across the United States and abroad competed online, enhancing their business skills, expanding their networks and participating in more than 70 business and business-related competitive events.
Competing against more than 10,000 national competitors, Groff placed 10th in the Digital Citizenship category, and Hillig finished 8th nationally in Career Exploration. The students had earned the opportunity to compete in Nationals after placing in the first place slots in their respective categories in the state of New Jersey.
“My FBLA students never stop amazing me,” BHMS FBLA Advisor Lori McEntee said. “They have the best work ethic and most positive attitudes, which is demonstrated in their success. Daniel and Mariah also were instrumental in our Community Service Project this year which raised funds and awareness for Children’s Brain Tumors. The High School business program is certainly lucky to have these shining stars starting there in the fall.”
The award was part of a comprehensive national competitive events program sponsored by FBLA-PBL, that recognizes and rewards excellence in a broad range of business and career-related areas. For many students, the competitive events are the capstone activity of their academic careers. In addition to competitions, students immersed themselves in interactive workshops, visited an information-packed exhibit hall, and heard from motivational speakers on a broad range of business topics.
