Student wins state FBLA competition
Greenbrier High School sophomore Sam Gaston will represent his school and the state at the National Future Business Leaders of America Convention.
His first place win in the Principals and Procedures competition at the state level won him a slot at the national convention which will be held in Dallas, Texas in June.
"The event tests you knowledge of FBLA principals and procedures, FBLA history and bylaws, information in the chapter handbook and parliamentary procedures," said Sam, a sophomore.
Sam, 16, is the son of Bobby and Robin Gaston of Evans. Rebecca Tyson is his FBLA adviser.
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Sam was named 2002-2003 Georgia Future Business Leaders of America state secretary/treasurer. His term ended March 15.
Sam also serves as president of the local chapter, which was named a FBLA Gold Chapter. "This means we're one of the highest ranking chapters in the state for FBLA," Sam said. "You have to do many different community service projects and write reports, reach out to the members, and promote FBLA and the FBLA state project."
He also has served as a FBLA region 4 reporter and as the chapter's secretary.
Greenbrier High's FBLA was also the 2002-2003 first place winner in the state and national FBLA Battle of the Chapters. At the national competition, the chapter's three-member team competed against the top 10 states in the southern region, said Sam, a team member.
In February, he had the opportunity to represent his chapter at the State Capitol. There, he met Gov. Sonny Perdue and Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, introduced Rep. Phil Gingery at the State FBLA Conference, attended the legislative breakfast and served as a page for Rep. Ben Harbin.
"I think FBLA can help students have a brighter future," said Sam. "It opens up a world of opportunity, teaching the principals of supply and demand, trade and commerce, the stock market, leadership, teamwork, resumes writing skills, professionalism, math accounting - things that will help someone if they go into the business field."
FBLA is one of the country's largest student organizations. Nationally, there are more than 250,000 members, while Georgia has 15,001 members.