Two FBLA Members Earn Placings at National Conference

Written by: Caleb Sanderson

Two Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members placed at the FBLA Collegiate National Leadership Conference in different categories. Victoria Wurm of Lebo placed fifth and ninth, while Kaelib Harp of Wichita received fifth place and earned the Distinguished Business Student award with a $500 scholarship. 

Seven members of Butler Community College’s FBLA chapter traveled to Orlando, Florida for the four-day national competition after qualifying in the 73rd State Leadership Conference in the spring semester. To qualify for nationals, Wurm earned two first-place, one second-place and one third-place recognitions; Harp received two first-placements and three second-place recognitions. 

“I am so appreciative to attend an institution that is willing to support its students in all areas of extracurriculars. Part of the reason I attended Butler was to continue my time in FBLA, and it has been nothing but a positive experience.” Wurm expressed while crediting Advisors Janice Akao and Noreen Templin for their support and guidance. 

Wurm now has two FBLA national conference and other competition wins under her belt. Wurm placed fifth in the Accounting Case Competition and ninth in Foundations of Economics. “Their help gave me the education and confidence to create an Accounting Case Study presentation and score well in the Foundations of Economics test, and to be able to earn a place on the FBLA National stage. I look forward to being part of Butler's FBLA chapter for as long as I am able and hope to represent Butler and these wonderful advisors while doing so.” 

Harp has also been a successfully active member, including past office positions held and previous conference placings. Harp received fifth in the Future Business Educator category and hopes to use this experience to propel him as a business teacher in the future. 

“For this competition, I was required to submit a résumé and lesson plan about artificial intelligence, detailing its pros and cons and how it will impact students' future education and career opportunities,” Harp described. “I also presented my lesson to a panel of judges as if they were students, and afterward, they asked follow-up interview questions.” 

Harp also credits Akao’s encouragement and for recognizing his potential. “She helped me grow into my passion and dedication for doing what I feel is right. Janice Akao saved my life; she recognized my need for community and growth and encouraged me to get involved with FBLA, and for that, I will be forever grateful.” 

Wurm earned a Business Administration degree from Butler last fall and serves as the Kansas State chapter’s current FBLA Collegiate Treasurer. This puts her in direct contact with Janice Akao and Butler’s chapter, as well as other Kansas chapters and members. She is pursuing an Accounting degree at Wichita State University, but intends to continue taking Butler courses to stay connected with Butler’s chapter. 

“Last May, I was also recommended for a position at my current employer, Regier Carr & Monroe, LLP, thanks to Janice and her seeing my potential through my coursework and FBLA involvement,” Wurm noted. “This again showed me that putting yourself out there to join extracurriculars, such as FBLA, can provide great opportunities.” 

Harp earned an Accounting degree from Butler in May and is strongly considering an educator role in the future, hoping to teach business-related courses at the college-level.   

Read about the most recent FBLA team win: Butler Students Qualify for National FBLA Conference.