ULLIN, IL. (June 29, 2021) – Recently, more than 12,000 participants from across the country convened online for the Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) 2021 National Leadership Conference (NLC). The event, which connected middle school, high school, and collegiate level students through competitive events, leadership sessions, and networking, provided students with the collective opportunity to win more than $110,000 in cash awards.
The PBL National Awards Program recognizes and rewards excellence in a broad range of business and career-related areas. For many students, competitive events are the capstone activity of their academic careers. The NLC featured 74 events at the high school level, 60 events at the collegiate level, and nine events at the middle school level. Events were modified to accommodate the online experience due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Among those recognized for their achievements during the competition this year were two Shawnee Community College students. Kaitlyn May of Metropolis competed in The Business Communication category and brought home first place for the event. The Business Communication competitive event measures the appropriateness of business messages, including format and style based on proper Business English. May placed fifth place in the Job Interview competitive event, which entails preparing a Cover Letter and participating in a role-play interview. May was also recently awarded the Illinois James D. Price scholarship for her volunteerism in community projects at Shawnee Community College.
Also receiving recognition was Bethany Bell of Goreville. Bell competed in the Social Media Challenge and brought home eighth place. The Social Media Challenge requires the competitor to plan an Integrated Marketing Plan and simulate the implementation of components using Social Media platforms and present the plan and projected insights to a panel of judges. Phyllis Sander, SCC Phi Beta Lambda Adviser, said, “SCC PBL members learn professional skills which complement educational objectives and assist our local community in building future leaders. SCC PBL winners demonstrated the actions of the PBL mission at the National Leadership Conference.”
For information about the Shawnee College Phi Beta Lambda Chapter or to find out about any of the excellent business courses offered, call 618.634.3200.