Big Wins and Bright Futures: AZVA Students Shine at FBLA Competition

Hundreds of students buzz with excitement at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) regional competition. Anxiously waiting for their category to be called, students practice their presentations in their heads and take deep breaths to control their nerves.

Among more than three hundred competitors is a mighty group, of Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA) students, determined to make their mark.

Preparing to Compete from a Virtual Classroom

For AZVA, this was their first FBLA competition and students took on competing in multiple team and individual categories. Students spent months working closely with one another and their advisors, Mrs. McCluskey and Mr. Sanders, to perfect their presentations.  

The flexibility of online school and support of the AZVA Career, Technical and Education (CTE) classes allowed students to spend plenty of time honing their projects and creating presentations they were proud of.

“We wanted to make sure the students knew that regardless of how they do in the competition, it is important that they go, compete and try their best,” said Mr. Sanders, FBLA advisor. “Whether they win or lose, they are going to grow, learn and try something they have never done before. It’s hard and scary but so rewarding.”

AZVA Students Take the Podium

All their hard work paid off when eight students were called to the stage at Ottawa University to receive their medals honoring their impressive projects. Having won gold, silver and bronze medals, AZVA students, along with their Insight Academy of Arizona (ISAZ) teammates, stacked the podium.

Students won in the individual categories of Project Management, Visual Design and Entrepreneurship. In addition, three seniors worked together in the Visual Design Team competition, which was to reimagine an FBLA recruitment booth design to attract new students to their club in a unique way.

Their project, which won first place, centered around an immersive raceway experience that included a hand-built racetrack with RC cars, a prize wheel, coordinated pit crew outfits and graphically designed materials like business cards, apparel, buttons and stickers— created by the students. Their tagline for the project was “FBLA will help you cross the finish line,” and by winning first place, the sentiment rang true.

“By the end of the day our students realized that not only they can do this, but they can even win it,” added Mr. Sanders. “Watching them get their awards and gain all this confidence is one of the reasons why I love being a teacher. We are celebrating the wins and getting ready for the next competition.”

Looking Ahead and Expanding Impact for State Competition

The AZVA and ISAZ team is now qualified to compete at the FBLA state competition on April 6-8. They will be representing their award-winning work.

As AZVA students look ahead to the state competition, their FBLA experience has already proven to be a defining moment in their lives filled with growth, confidence and real-world impact. These students have shown that innovation and collaboration thrive in a virtual setting. With momentum on their side and new projects in the works, AZVA’s future in FBLA is just getting started and looking bright.

To get involved with FBLA or CTE classes, reach out to Mrs. McCluskey, Ms. Rachel or  Mr. Sanders or visit the AZVA Careers & College Prep page to learn more.