Schools

JoEllen Jones, Forest City Regional High School (FCRHS) attended the Future Business Leaders of America, Inc.'s (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC). The event, held in Anaheim, California from June 29 to July 2, attracted more than 15,000 middle school and high school students, educators, and volunteers from across the country. The NLC provides education, competition, and networking opportunities centered on business.

Nearly 11,000 students from more than 2,000 middle schools and high schools in 48 US states and territories competed in 100 business-related events for cash prizes totaling over $120,000. Students also had the opportunity to engage in over 120 learning workshops and meet with representatives from more than 260 colleges, universities, and employers, including Alzheimer's Association, BusinessU, CLA, Empowerly, FICO, Funds2Orgs, Jostens, Kendra Scott, Men's Wearhouse, UWorld, MBA Research, National Retail Federation, National Technical Honor Society, PNC Bank Student Lending, TKS Worldwide, the US Air Force, US Army, and US Coast Guard.

Additionally, students heard from keynote speaker and proud FBLA alumna, Karissa Bodnar, Founder and CEO of Thrive Causemetics and Bigger Than Beauty Skincare. In a live onstage conversation with FBLA President & CEO Jennifer Woods, Bodnar shared her journey from high school entrepreneur to leading a globally recognized beauty brand rooted in social impact. Her story inspired students to pursue their passions, embrace innovation, and lead with purpose.

In December, 40 members competed at Keystone College at the Regional Competition. Out of those 40 members, 21 qualified and then competed at the State Competition in Hershey in April. This is where Ms. JoEllen Jones placed in the top four in the state in Intro to Event Planning, which led to her representing Forest City in Anaheim, California. This accomplishment has not taken place in Forest City in 10 years.

Ms. Jones would like to thank Mrs. Nicole Fletcher and Mr. Kyreek Johnson (FBLA Advisors) and the following for their generous sponsorship: Forest City Regional, Grimm Construction, Pioneer Construction, Meagher Insurance, Fitzsimmons Insurance, Forest City Emergency Services, Brennan Funeral Home, Van's Salon, Roseann Swegel, David Wilson, Sarah Knowlton (SMK Styles), Travis Wright, Karen Taylor, James Lewis, Michael Brescia, Stephanie Dowling, Jenifer Reynolds, Jeannette Smedley, Jef Mrakovich, Richard Priebe III, Shaye Mahoney (Real Estate Agent), Ernie Sebastianelli, Nicole Non, Adeline Frisbie and Forest City Parks and Recreation.

Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) education association with more than 200,000 middle school, high school, and college members worldwide. FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. The association is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, just outside of Washington, DC. For more information, visit fbla.org.

This summer Mountain View FBLA did not stop after the school year! Leading up to the 2025-2026 school year our members did a lot to get ready for the big events coming up and also helped Mountain View teachers get ready for the school year.

In July students came in and helped pack for the produce market to give out to the community. On top of that the chapter had a productive meeting and planned out everything that will be accomplished this year.

In August students came in for "Work Days" where some members helped teachers set up classrooms along with doing other things around the school to create a warm welcome for the new school year. Members created the bulletin board so students know what FBLA is about.

Not only did students make cards for the teachers to show them appreciation, but students also put together a little gift including coffee, tea and a keychain to help them get energized for the first week!  During these activities students learned how to be productive in their off time in summer and they were also able to spread a little kindness by helping everyone who needed it.

SUNY Delhi celebrated the graduation of nearly 800 students at the Spring 2025 commencement event held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, where certificates, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees were conferred upon the classes of Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.

Local students graduating were as follows.

Alex Stento, of New Milford, received a bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Natalie Myers, of Brackney, received an associate degree in Baking and Pastry Arts.