Ryan Dellinger
The 2023 conference was Dellinger’s second time competing at the state and national level. Dellinger, a junior majoring in information technology with a business minor, served as the group’s president.
“The thing I liked best about the conference and competition was seeing each and every one of our members grow in their professional ability by challenging themselves to compete in presentation categories, even if they were previously less confident with their presentation ability,” he said. “Our chapter’s performance was incredible. Everyone pushed themselves extremely hard to prepare for the moment and we all showed up with our A-game.”
Dellinger also shares his accolades for the group’s adviser, Megan Lorenz, who he says pushed the group to perfect and refine their presentations. He also calls her a fantastic role model as a leader and notes that she represents what FBLA is all about. He also believes the group’s success is because of the mentality of the students who are determined and focused on professional development.
“It was a great experience to lead our chapter into a record-breaking national competition. Our members have shaped me into a better leader throughout this past school year, and I will continue to learn with and learn from our members to become a better leader.”
Polina Bolotnikova
Another first-time participant in the FBLA nationals, Bolotnikova, a junior with a double major in business, with and marketing management option, and project and supply chain management, only joined the group in spring 2023.
“The thing I liked the most was the representation and unity of our chapter. By talking to many other chapters and their presidents, I realized how good our chapter was, like a family.”
Bolotnikova recalls rehearsing presentations all together at night before the preliminary round at nationals. She notes that all the time she spent with the group was the best time at the conference and there was a true sense of unity. She credits the success of the group to the leadership of the president, vice presidents, and the adviser.
Omar Isaiah Morales
Another first-time participant in the competition, Morales, a sophomore majoring in finance, had the unique experience of competing in a category, Impromptu Speaking, which required him to speak on the spot and convey a clear message when speaking in a prescribed amount of time. He liked how he could challenge himself and step outside of his comfort zone.
“I learned to be more comfortable with being uncomfortable,” said Morales. “I did not want to participate in the competition at first but thought about how it could help me learn and grow professionally, so I did. I don’t regret saying yes to compete.”
He considers himself lucky and honored to have met other like-minded individuals who value personal and professional growth. He also believes the chapter is so successful because everyone is enthusiastic about learning professional skills and didn’t take the opportunities for granted.
“We practiced, mocked, and were successful because we also have an adviser who wants the best for us and set time aside to ensure we were ready for the competition. Her passion for helping others grow and develop was evident throughout this experience.”
Students who competed at the FBLA National Leadership Conference are Pradynesh Bhoir, Polina Bolotnikovo, Ryan Dellinger, Omar Elhasany, Caitlan Hevener, Nakhaiya Jacobs, David Lin, Cole Lukenbaugh, Rebecca Mauck, Isaiah Morales, Nhi Nguyen, Neeraj Patil, Lawrence Williams, and James Ye.
Eleven of the 14 students were part of the Graham Fellows Program for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Penn State York.
Funds to send the group to state and national FBLA events came from the Women’s Philanthropic Network, the Graham Fellows Program for Entrepreneurial Leadership, the campus Student Activity Fee, and the Penn State York Academic Affairs office.