Four members of the Panther Valley Future Business Leaders of America chapter qualified to compete at the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference in Hershey from April 13-15.

Only those students' scores on competitive tests or events at the regional level can advance to the state level.Students who will be competing include: Tiffany Porambo, third place Business Procedures; Samantha Clements, fourth place Accounting II; Brooke Turner, fourth place Personal Finance; and Caitlin Werkheiser, second place Health Care Administration."This is only the second year for the PV-FBLA chapter, and it is an honor to have students compete at the state level both years," said FBLA adviser Susan Solt. "In fact, Caitlin Werkheiser competed at states last year in the Business Calculations event."I am very proud of their efforts and achievements and with all my students who competed at the regional level."Remembering a fallen classmateTo help defray costs of the state championship conference, the FBLA usually holds a spaghetti and meatball dinner, but this year the members have decided to donate the proceeds to the family of Autumn Young.Autumn was a senior who passed away earlier this month in an automobile accident.The dinner and basket raffle will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Panther Valley Middle School. The cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. A $2 donation for children 4 and under is appreciated. Takeouts are available."I believe that as future business leaders it is our duty to help our community, and I'm proud that my students recognize that and want to help a fellow student's family through a sad and difficult time," Solt said.If anyone is interested in donating a basket or gift card to the raffle or make a monetary donation, contact Solt at the high school.Checks should be made payable to PV-FBLA, and mailed to PV-FBLA, Attn: Susan Solt, Adviser, 912 Coal Region Way, Lansford, PA 18232.