Madison Reporter

At the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference held in Anaheim, California, Kayla Shelton, a senior at Vel Phillips Memorial High School, achieved a milestone by winning first place in Business Communication. This marks the first time a student from Memorial has secured a national-level victory at an FBLA event.

Shelton was among six students from Memorial who competed at the conference from June 28 to July 3. Her involvement with FBLA began during her freshman year after encouragement from her older brother, Warren. What started as an extracurricular activity became a significant part of her high school journey.

“I am so glad that he encouraged me to join because I have been able to experience so many great opportunities as a result,” Shelton said.

To prepare for the national competition, Shelton created her own study guide and reviewed topics such as business communication practices, grammar, spelling, and the influence of technology on professional communication. She also utilized her mother’s old college textbook while studying. The competition required participants to answer 100 multiple-choice questions within 50 minutes.

“The skills I have learned in FBLA will support me in my future because they are already supporting me now,” she said. “Through FBLA, I have had the opportunity to learn and apply business skills, such as leadership, communication, data analysis and project management.”

Shelton noted that these skills extend beyond academics and are useful in other areas of her life, including athletics.

“No matter what your interests are, FBLA can help prepare you for your future by allowing you to learn and practice essential skills for any educational path and eventual career,” Shelton said.