Students headed to FBLA Nationals

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By Brandy Nance (Contact)

Originally published 02:10 p.m., April 8, 2008
Updated 02:10 p.m., April 8, 2008

The Northern Heights FBLA students who are going to the national competition in Atlanta this summer are, from left, back row, Matthew Denton, Michael Glass and Pete Symmonds. Front row: Chancey Parker, Jessica Dhority, Haydon Parks and Justin Richardson

ALLEN — The team of Future Business Leaders of America from Allen has done it again and is headed for nationals, but they could use a little help.

Northern Height’s FBLA team competed with more than 1,700 students from across the state of Kansas to qualify for nationals in Atlanta in late June.

“They had to place in team events,” said Kim Dhority, a teacher and FBLA advisor at Northern Heights High School. “They have to place first or second to (qualify) for nationals.”

The cost per student to go to the national competition will be about $650. The school district is helping to pay for some and the school is raising money for the rest of it, Dhority said. Concession stands will be held as well as a softball tournament to raise money. People or businesses wanting to help sponsor the students can call Dhority at the school (620) 528-3521.

The students who won first place in the Business Plan category are Matthew Denton, Jessica Dhority, and Chancey Parker. Students who won in the Business Financial Plan category are Haydon Parks and Pete Symmonds. Both teams will compete nationally. Michael Glass also will go to nationals because he is listed in Who’s Who in FBLA.

There will be more than 7,000 students from all over the United States and the Virgin Islands.

“It’s unlike anything I’ve ever been at,” said Michael Glass, who went to the competition last year and was the district vice-president this year.

Other placements include: Michael Glass, sixth in Mr. FBL and ninth in Client Services; Matthew Denton, ninth, Word Processing; and Jessica Dhority and Chancey Parker, eighth in Desktop Publishing.

In addition to competing, Jessica Dhority will be a state editor for next year. As state editor she will receive stories from the districts and put together a newsletter that circulates statewide to all FBLA chapters. She also will get information to the state Web site.

Glass is the 2007/2008 District VII vice-president and the Northern Heights 2007/2008 Chapter President, Kim Dhority said.