Teens from Selma High, RB Hudson attend national FBLA conference in Texas

Students from Selma High School and R.B. Hudson Middle School attended the Future Business Leaders of America's National Leadership Conference. 

The event, held in San Antonio, Texas, from June 29 to July 2, attracted more than 16,000 middle school and high school students, educators, and volunteers from across the country. The NLC provides education, competition, and networking opportunities centered on business.

More than 13,400 students from nearly 2,100 schools in 47 U.S. states, territories, and Canada competed in 108 business-related events for cash prizes totaling nearly $65,000. Students also had the opportunity to engage in over 200 learning workshops and meet with representatives from more than 25 colleges, universities, and employers, including Alzheimer’s Association, BusinessU, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), FICO, Funds2Orgs, Jostens, Kendra Scott, Men’s Wearhouse, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Coast Guard.

Zachenzie Milhouse, Alabama FBLA State President and JaDarius Tyus, Selma High FBLA President, represented Selma High School at the conference. Zachenzie gave the greeting on behalf of Alabama FBLA and gave the overall progress of the state FBLA activities during the FBLA Southern Region Rally; was a voting delegate for the FBLA National officers election, organized state officers activities, attended workshops, networked and competed in her competition: Public Speaking.

JaDarius Tyus served as a voting delegate, testing and presentation delivery for competition on business ethics, attending workshops, networking and viewing other competitive events.

Selma High FBLA was also recognized as a Gold Seal Chapter Award recipient and received the prestigious Gold Champion Chapter Award for an outstanding program of service.

R.B. Hudson STEAM Academy made the NLC stage by placing 10th in the Champion Chapter competition for FBLA middle schools in the nation.  

Ryleigh Thornton, Alabama FBLA Young Leader of the Year Award Winner, and Vice President of the R.B. Hudson FBLA Middle Chapter, was recognized at the Southern Regional Rally as the only State Council Middle School Member in the largest region of FBLA. The Chapter President Karsyn Collins and future chapter officer, Journee DuBose also attended NLC and participated in the competitions. 

R.B. Hudson was also awarded the most prestigious honors, the FBLA Gold Seal Chapter Award of Merit.   

“The NLC provided a great learning experience for our students. Meeting with their state officers and members from across the world, observing other students in various competitive events, attending the outstanding knowledge-filled workshops will only help our students become better officers, members, and leaders in their local chapters,” stated Farrior, SHS FBLA Adviser.

While this conference proves to be beneficial to the students, it also provided opportunities for advisers to learn and grow and excel in their positions. Crystal Boykin, adviser for R.B. Hudson FBLA, was again selected to be a member of the FBLA National’s Competitive Events Operations Team (CEOT) 2026-2027, and Patricia Farrior, will serve on the FBLA Adviser Team for Alabama along with Alabama State Officer President, Zachenzie Milhouse.

“This year’s National Leadership Conference showcased the incredible talent and dedication of our student members,” said FBLA President & CEO Jennifer Woods. “From analytical thinking to dynamic communication, they demonstrated the skills that will shape tomorrow’s workforce. These students leave San Antonio not only with well-earned recognition, but also with new connections, confidence, and a clearer path toward their future careers.”