High school classes and extracurriculars are set to equip students with knowledge they will be able to use in whatever they choose to do after graduation. There are a variety of clubs at Fredericksburg High School that cater to students’ different interests. One of the newer clubs is the Future Business Leaders of America. The FBLA club allows students to acquire business skills that they can use in the future. 

Mrs. Jill Pilcher, one of the chapter sponsors for FBLA, started the club to help students with business skills. 

“FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences,” Pilcher said. 

FBLA is a newer club that has gained a fair amount of members in the two years it has been offered at FHS. 

“Our chapter was established last school year, and we had 20 students who joined and participated in club activities,” Pilcher said. “This year we currently have 28 students interested in our organization. We meet in Room 406 on the first Friday of each month at 7:30 a.m.” 

Senior Brooke Batch, president of FBLA, organizes projects and oversees the meetings. “We are currently planning fundraisers and chapter activities,” Batch said. “We participate in leadership development, academic competitions, community service including supporting the March of Dimes to help end premature births by participating in awareness campaigns and the March for Babies fundraiser.” 

Senior Abigail Reno, co-vice president of FBLA, described the different kinds of competitions students have the opportunity to be a part of in FBLA. 

“There are a variety of competitions [students] can compete in, from accounting to investments,” Reno said. “There are plenty of opportunities for students who are interested in so many different things.” 

FBLA members are striving to allow students to have a fair opportunity to participate in competitions. 

“We are also in the process of creating some fundraisers so that students who can compete in state can get to the competition using no money of their own,” Reno said. 

FBLA is open to any new members who are interested in building their business knowledge. 

“FBLA is for students who want to learn more about the aspects in business and teamwork,” Reno said. “For students who want to join, we would be so happy to have you and learn together.”