Dawson County High School students and advisors of Future Business Leaders of America spent the last weekend in March at the organization’s state competition in Atlanta, where juniors Brittany MacDonald and Logan Porter brought home awards.
MacDonald and Porter placed fourth as a team in the state for Desktop Publishing, and Porter individually placed first in the state in Electronic Career Portfolio.
President of Dawson County High School’s club, Porter said his winning presentation was like a resume in Microsoft PowerPoint format.
“I have definitely learned a lot about leadership,” he said of his involvement with the club.
Participating since his freshman year, Porter says he has learned valuable skills and lessons for life after high school.
“Through the conferences I have been to, I have had the opportunity to meet many people in the business community that have provided me with useful tips and advice.”
With plans to study graphic design and possibly turn it into a career, Porter says being a part of this group has been a good experience.
This year is MacDonald’s first year with the club and she said she was surprised to have done so well, so quickly.
“Before this year I didn’t know much about desktop publishing, but through yearbook and FBLA I have acquired more knowledge that I know will be helpful to me in the future,” she said.
MacDonald also noted the benefits of meeting business professionals and other goal-oriented students their age.
“It’s nice to meet people interested in the same things you are. It’s a great place to find out more information of the things that interest you and things you might want to pursue after high school,” Porter said.
As the state champion, Porter will continue on to the National FBLA conference in Anaheim, Calif., this summer, where he will present his electronic portfolio and compete for a national title.
Future Business Leaders of America is a national, non profit educational association for students in middle school through college that also includes a professional division for business people, alumni, educators and parents in support of the program.
“Being a part of this group familiarizes students with what goes on outside of school in the business world,” said Ryan Coker, advisor for the group.
Within the organization, students compete in several different areas including public speaking, job interviews and network designs.
To prepare for each competition, students are given the choice to pick from about 100 topics and subject areas in which to compete.
The local club is made up of about 70 students from all high school grade levels.
E-mail Elizabeth Hamilton at elizabeth@dawsonnews.com.