(Galloway, NJ), (8-3-23)—Students from Absegami High School won top honors at the 2023 National Leadership Conference (NLC) of Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA), the nation’s largest career and technical student organization focused on business. Eleven (11) Absegami students were among the more than 13,000 participants from across the United States and abroad who attended the event, held in Atlanta, Georgia from June 27th to June 30th.

More than 8,700 high school members from nearly 1,600 high schools competed for cash prizes and recognition in more than 100 competitive events over 4 days. Also, students enhanced their business skills, engaged in learning workshops, expanded their networks, heard from Jordan Davis, an educational speaker and FBLA alumnus, and explored the city and its attractions. True to the conference theme, attendees demonstrated how they were “One Association for Service, Education & Progress” in FBLA.

Sameera Hossain, a 2023 Absegami graduate and outgoing NJ FBLA Southern Region Vice President/Chapter President, earned 1 of only 2 “Distinguished Business Leader Awards,” along with a $500 scholarship, and was recognized on stage at the opening session. Additionally, Hossain placed 2nd in the nation in Publication Design, where she created an electronic publication highlighting Absegami activities and sports called “The Brave Way.” The team of Stephanie Ruales & Parth Shah, also 2023 Absegami graduates, earned 10th place national honors in Public Service Announcement with their PSA on the impact of the pandemic on teens. Rising seniors Shyna Kataria and Nidhi Patel earned a place in the final round of Graphic Design, 1 of only 14 teams nationwide to do so, with their graphic design project for an educational non-profit. Also, the following students represented Absegami and the State of New Jersey at NLC and competed in these events: Rising senior team of Fay DeBlasio, Sarah Glass & Abigail Reed (Broadcast Journalism); rising senior Puja Gandhi (Public Speaking); rising junior Mahi Patel (Intro to Social Media Strategies). Rising senior Jatin Punjabi not only competed in the Coding & Programming event, but also represented New Jersey as an incoming FBLA State Officer. The Absegami Chapter as a whole was nationally recognized as a Gold Champion Chapter and as a Gold Seal Chapter, and achieved ConnecTen for increased membership. The students are coached, mentored and advised by Business Education Teacher, Dawn Kosko.

“I am extremely proud of our hard-working FBLA students. All of them represented Absegami High School, the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District, and the entire state of New Jersey at this national event with professionalism and maturity beyond their years,” Kosko said. She went on to say that the chapter is looking forward to returning to next year’s FBLA NLC to be held in Orlando, FL.

In addition to attending the conference itself, the students had the opportunity to explore the city and its attractions. They visited the Georgia Aquarium during “FBLA Night at the Aquarium,” participated in the FBLA Block Party at Centennial Olympic Park, and toured the World of Coca-Cola .

Absegami High School’s FBLA chapter is working toward building community business partnerships and holding events to raise money for students to participate in next year’s opportunities. To become a sponsor or to make a donation, please contact FBLA Adviser, Dawn Kosko, at dkosko@gehrhsd.net.

Photos

L to R: Fay DeBlasio (12), Sarah Glass (12), Abigail Reed (12), Puja Gandhi (12), Stephanie Ruales (2023 Graduate), Jatin Punjabi (12), Sameera Hossain (2023 Graduate), Parth Shah (2023 Graduate), Shyna Kataria (12), Mahi Patel (11), Nidhi Patel (12)

Front Row L to R: Puja Gandhi (12), Parth Shah (2023 Graduate), Stephanie Ruales (2023 Graduate), Sameera Hossain (2023 Graduate), Nidhi Patel (12), Shyna Kataria (12), Mahi Patel (11). Back Row L to R: Abigail Reed (12), Fay DeBlasio (12), Sarah Glass (12)

L to R: Sameera Hossain (2023 Graduate), Parth Shah (2023 Graduate), Puja Gandhi (12), Fay DeBlasio (12), Jatin Punjabi (12), Sarah Glass (12), Nidhi Patel (12), Abigail Reed (12), Mahi Patel (11), Shyna Kataria (12), Stephanie Ruales (2023 Graduate).

L to R: Shyna Kataria (12), Puja Gandhi (12), Nidhi Patel (12), Sameera Hossain (2023 Graduate), Mahi Patel (11), Fay DeBlasio (12), Sarah Glass (12), Abigail Reed (12), Stephanie Ruales (2023 Graduate), Parth Shah (2023 Graduate).

L to R: Shyna Kataria (12), Puja Gandhi (12), Jatin Punjabi (12), Mahi Patel (11), Sarah Glass (12), Nidhi Patel (12), Abigail Reed (12), Sameera Hossain (2023 Graduate), Parth Shah (2023 Graduate), Stephanie Ruales (2023 Graduate).

2023 Graduate Sameera Hossain as she wins 2nd Place in Publication Design on stage

2023 Absegami Graduate Sameera Hossain Wins 1 of only 2 "Distinguished Business Leader" Scholarships of $500 - Recognized in front of audience of 13,000

2023 Absegami Graduate Sameera Hossain with 2nd Place Award - Publication Design

L to R: 2023 Absegami Graduates Stephanie Ruales & Parth Shah with 10th Place Award - Public Service Announcement

L to R: 2023 Absegami Graduates Parth Shah, Sameera Hossain & Stephanie Ruales (Team of Shah & Ruales 10th Place Public Service Announcement, Hossain 2nd Place Publication Design)