Oxford's Future Business Leaders Shine

Oxford High School’s Future Business Leaders of America, FBLA, has been very busy this year.

On April 22, 2013, the chapter will attend the statewide 2013 Spring Leadership Conference. In the past, Oxford FBLA has worked hard, competing in many events, including public speaking, video production, web design, and job interview events, as well as many other presentational business events. More than 20 members have placed in events over the past two years, with some having the opportunity to compete at the National level. Last year, two members, Sarah DeNisco and Kaitlyn Speaker, competed at the  National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas, in June. This year, Oxford FBLA members hope to do just as well as they have in the past, if not better.

Oxford has also had the honor of having officers win the state level election for the second year in a row. Sarah DeNisco and Will Denslow were voted state officers at last year’s Spring Leadership Conference and have been doing a great job running CT FBLA. Unfortunately, they’ll have to pass the torch on April 22, but hopefully to another Oxford member or two. Giovanna McMahon and Mitchell Wright are running for state office in hopes of being able to represent Oxford at the state level for the third year in a row.

(For more info about CT FBLA, click here.)

Besides state competitions, Oxford’s non-profit organization Backpack Basics - which is affiliated with CT FBLA - is doing better than ever. Last summer, the group was able to deliver more than 350 stuffed backpacks to its partners at the Spooner House of Shelton for underprivileged children in Connecticut. “My Backpack Basics” was also created, which allows other schools and organizations to run a Backpack Basics program of their own. More than 54 schools in Connecticut are currently involved and they hope to activate even more programs. Next month, Backpack Basics is hosting a training event at Oxford High, which will teach more schools, as well as OHS underclassmen, how to get started.

With Patch Media being one of our main supporters, another collection day will be held within the next few months in Oxford. (Read last year's article here.) Backpack Basics hopes to collect even more backpacks and school supplies this year, with the help of their donors, partners, volunteers, and of course, its new branches starting through FBLA.

For more info about Backpack Basics, click here.

*Credit to Simply K Studios for the photos from the 2012 conference.