Thirty-seven students in Pleasant Valley High School’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter have qualified for the State Leadership Conference competition.

This is the first in-person competition since COVID-19 began and will be held on April 10 to 13 in Hershey.

Ten of the 37 students placed first in their event category at the regional competition, making them regional champions. Students compete in a variety of categories, such as financial accounting, risk management and public speaking.

Chapter President Zachary Dooner, who is one of the 10 regional champions, told the school board directors at their meeting last Thursday, “We have also been actively fundraising for Pennsylvania FBLA’s annual state charity: Feeding Pennsylvania. At the state leadership workshop, we were first in the state for donations out of 270 eligible chapters.”

The chapter’s Vice President Maria Saitta added that the PV FBLA received the coveted title of Outstanding Local Chapter at the national leadership conference last summer.

This title means that they rank in the top nine schools for the Eastern region of the United States and 45th in the nation.

“I’d like to stress the immense opportunity FBLA provides and the success our members found. Our chapter renders our students with unmatched opportunities for leadership, community service, and career and technical education,” Saitta said.

“The Board of Education and Dr. (James) Konrad’s funding of $5,230 for the 2022 State Leadership Conference will bring endless returns for the Pleasant Valley community. This opportunity is an incredible investment in our students and all future FBLA members. As vice president, I truly extend my gratitude for your constant support of our repertoire of successes.”

Chapter adviser Denise Hopely echoed Saitta’s comments and thanked the school board and Superintendent Konrad.

“We appreciate your efforts in leading us into the future,” Hopely said. “Thank you for all your dedication and hard work for our school district. We appreciate all the time you spend serving our board and supporting our students.”

The school board directors and Konrad wished the FBLA members well and look forward to hearing the results of the state competition.