The 2026 FBLA State Leadership Conference Was a Success for PTHS

Over 4,000 students attended the New Jersey Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference from March 9 through March 11 with hundreds of awards, honorable mentions, and fun activities occurring throughout the time there. This article is intended to inform you on the various insights, opinions, and thoughts I had regarding the SLC as an FBLA member and competitor. 

While the trip down to Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, NJ on Sunday, March 8, was tedious in length, it was completely worth it once we reached the hotel and settled in. Anticipation took over as the FBLA members who attended received the itinerary for the next three days, showcasing the variety of workshops, guest speakers, and ceremonies that would take place. Presentations would begin the next day, and so the NJ SLC would officially commence. 

The PTHS FBLA Chapter Executive Board from left to right: James Cantisano, TJ Woodard, Gracelyn Cheng, Kaitlyn O'Brien, Madalyn Brunner, Lila Finnigan, Mia Tammaro, and Kiley McGowan.

You might be wondering, however, what is FBLA and what is the SLC? Well, FBLA is a nationally-recognized organization and club that focuses on transforming high school students into professional, knowledgeable, and prepared individuals, no matter what field they are aspiring to enter. The club operates at the chapter level, which is composed of individual high schools, like PTHS, the state level, and the national level. Middle school and college students even have variants of the club offered to them. 

While the club itself places an emphasis on raising money for charitable causes, fundraising for school events, and promoting membership by hosting monthly meetings, FBLA competitors go the extra mile by taking the objective test in their respective category related to business or technology in November, in which case they can either advance to states based on their test score or be eligible to compete at the state level by creating a presentation. 

Back to the SLC — the first day was packed with events, from preliminary-round presentations, to workshops, and finally the opening session in the evening. Students had the opportunity to meet their NJFBLA state officers face-to-face and learn what it truly means to be a part of such an impactful and important organization. 

FBLA members Emma Wells, Madalyn Brunner, Kate Wells, and Kaitlyn O'Brien (left to right) at a workshop.

The next day, workshops were scattered into the schedule, and many were extremely informative and interesting. DeSales University, Stockton University, and American University of Antigua all sent representatives to the SLC, with affiliated members of those institutions discussing important future skills like college readiness, resumes, soft skills, saving money, and more. Hundreds of students attended these workshops and they were a great experience for collaborative discussion and communication. 

The same day, campaigning began for the NJFBLA executive board. Each year, new members are elected to fill up positions such as State President, Vice President of Community Service, and Vice President of Northern NJ. Not only did candidates have elaborate booths set up with information on their platform, but they also included fun games and teambuilding opportunities to engage students and encourage networking. 

At the end of the second day, PTHS students Dominick Arnold and Sebastian Partyka for Graphic Design, Kiley McGowan and Mia Tammaro for Event Planning, and Madalyn Brunner and Kaitlyn O’Brien for Sales Presentation all advanced to the final round of presentations, which was held in the evening. This is a huge accomplishment, and Mr. Wehrhahn and Ms. Panicucci, the club advisors who were also at the SLC, were both very proud of their efforts. 

The objective test and presentation of finalists/award recipients as seen left to right: Kenny Gardner-Damners (Intro to Marketing Concepts), Dominick Arnold and Sebastian Partyka (Graphic Design), TJ Woodard (Business Communications), Kaitlyn O'Brien and Madalyn Brunner (Sales Presentation), Mia Tammaro and Kiley McGowan (Event Planning), and Sabrina Cristea (Business Law)

The second night was also when the award assembly for objective testing was held. Tensions ran high as the names of the students who would progress to nationals appeared on the screen. Kenny Gardner-Damners placed in the top ten of his test, Introduction to Marketing Concepts, TJ Woodward placed 4th in Business Communications, and Sabrina Cristea placed 3rd in Business Law. Both TJ and Sabrina qualified for the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas in early July, where they will be competing against other FBLA chapters from across the country. 

While the PTHS FBLA members celebrated these victories, there were still more to come the following morning, March 11, when the presentation winners would be announced. That morning, the thousands of FBLA competitors, students, and advisors were ushered into the enormous auditorium, during which the executive director of NJFBLA, Dr. Jeffrey Victor, gave a vibrant speech detailing his experience spearheading educational organizations like FBLA, DECA, and HOSA, and how they can help shape students into future leaders. 

Once the award ceremony for presentations commenced, our chapter was thrilled to find that Kaitlyn and Madalyn were in the top 10 groups of competitors, along with Mia and Kiley, and Dominick and Sebastian. The hard work and dedication they put into creating, perfecting, and presenting their projects is truly admirable and they should be extremely proud of these great feats. 

PTHS’ FBLA members travelled back home on Wednesday afternoon, culminating the trip and the experiences participants gained from it. In its entirety, however, the FBLA SLC was much more than just a “trip.” It was a bonding experience for friends, who roomed together. It was a chance for students to be surrounded by a different environment than home and school. It was a way to develop lifelong skills like public speaking and the ability to communicate thoughts and ideas that will be extremely beneficial in all future endeavors. But most of all, it emphasizes just how many students are willing to go the extra mile by pouring their dedication into extracurricular activities. 

Over 4,000 members statewide attended the 2026 New Jersey State Leadership Conference, with Dr. Victor claimed that it was the highest attendance he had ever seen. He commended students for their efforts, which did not go unnoticed, even if they did not qualify for nationals. FBLA might just be a club on paper, but it fosters independent thinking, autonomy, and teamwork among students, which is the greatest “award” anyone could ask for. So, in a way, everyone left the SLC with their own glass trophy of personal achievement. 

Sabrina Cristea