The Sun Prairie West Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter earned six first-place awards at the Wisconsin State Leadership Conference in Green Bay on April 13-14.
The achievements highlight the growth and success of the Sun Prairie West FBLA, which has become the fifth-largest chapter in Wisconsin out of more than 200. In four years, membership increased from 20 to 114 students, with a record 45 qualifying for this year’s State Leadership Conference. The chapter also advanced to third place overall in the state, improving from last year’s fourth-place finish.
A total of 28 Sun Prairie West students qualified to compete at the National Conference in San Antonio this summer. First-place winners included Rushil Bhalla, Arjun Chittapuram, and Vijay Kalidass for Public Service Announcement; Luke Ebersole for Project Management; Praneeth Mashetty and Tanish Premnath for Mobile App Development; Téa Schmoldt, Ishaan Shukla, and Mouneeth Venigalla for Local Chapter Report; Maha Lakshmi Kothinti for Introduction to Business Concepts; and Mouneeth Venigalla again for Career Portfolio.
Kevin Wagner, adviser to Sun Prairie West FBLA, said: “The growth of our chapter is a direct result of students stepping up, taking ownership, and pushing each other to succeed. The leadership team spent hours preparing under class members, providing tips for presentations and informing them what competing would be like. Our students are not only competing at a high level, but they are building skills that will serve them well beyond high school.”
Wagner thanked SPASD Career and Technical Education coordinator Greg Granber as well as school administration for their support. “We all stand committed to the success of our students and preparing them for leadership, college, and career success,” Wagner said. “As the chapter continues to grow, Sun Prairie West FBLA aims to build on this momentum and expand opportunities for students to compete, lead and excel.”
Wagner also recognized vice president Ishaan Shukla who will serve as president next year. Shukla has been FBLA state secretary for two years and is running for a national officer position.
