Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) at Salem High School (SHS) gives students a chance to learn and grow their skills in leadership, communication, and other general business knowledge. The student-led organization consists of 32 members this year and, at February’s District Leadership Conference in Lebanon, 18 students brought home a total of 26 total top-five medals. Students competed in categories like emerging business issues and broadcast journalism as well as more obscure topics like supply chain management, word processing, and networking infrastructures. Of those 18 students, 10 are headed to Springfield this week as they qualified to compete at state-level competition in 17 different categories.

While numbers aren’t as strong as pre-pandemic years due to COVID-related protocols, advisors Bryson Barnes, Amber Pryor, and Brooke Rogers are enthusiastic about rebuilding with an even stronger purpose. “We’re always looking for businesses willing to host student interns and expose them to a variety of workplaces,” said Pryor. “In some cases, opportunities turn into paid positions and that can come from a business welcoming a student shadowing them.”

SHS senior Denise Stoner remembers FBLA first piqued her interest in eighth grade. “An FBLA advisor and members came to the middle school; when they shared that FBLA would help with interviewing skills and speaking in front of people, I was fully hooked.” Stoner, this year’s chosen intern with the Vickery internship at The Salem News, is heading to the University of Alabama to pursue a major in political science in hopes of it leading to law school. “I know things can change,” says Stoner. But no matter what kind of career she ends up working towards, stepping stones along the way like her FBLA membership and internships are what help take her closer to her aspirations. Now that she’s beginning to see the sun set on her high school career, she can confidently say that what was shared at that eighth-grade visit was true.

When asked about her time as the Vickery intern she said, “I’ve learned that my writing, along with other work in the local newspaper, has a huge impact on the community. Having the opportunity to work first-hand on projects that inform the Salem area has really shown me how much I can accomplish through writing.” The Salem News has opened its search for next year’s Vickery intern and interviews will be conducted in May. Candidates must be incoming juniors or seniors at Salem High School next fall. To apply, send your resume and a brief reason why you would like to have the internship to: Editor Catherine Wynn, catherine@thesalemnewsonline.com.

FBLA offers other unique ways to serve the community. Photoshop students partnered up with the Salem Public Library by participating in the world-wide trend on social media. Using the hashtag #GiantAnimalsOnLibraries, students photoshopped huge animals of cats, dogs, and even a polar bear on top of the Salem Public Library, connecting the local community with others across the globe. Students also created a logo for the school’s robotics club, further demonstrating their initiative and interest in helping meet local needs.

When asked how the Salem community can help FBLA, the first response from advisors and students, alike, was in connection to the National Leadership Conference held at the end of June. If students advance, they’ll be looking for sponsors to help get them to Chicago. The group is also aiming to host more guest speakers from communities and venture on local field trips to explore different workplaces in the business sector or add to the group’s community service goals.

FBLA is interested in lending a helping hand towards raising funds and awareness for local charitable organizations. Advisor Rogers, who teaches the high school’s new business model class, aims to continue initiating partnerships with local organizations for students to provide services like graphic design, accounting, and marketing.

A dozen members of the student group are graduating this year, so FBLA’s team of advisors are eager to recruit new members who will be ready to lead the organization towards even bigger and better achievements. If you’re a community member who would like to get in touch with the group, you can email Pryor at amber.pryor@salemr80.org.