Students from Jim Thorpe Area won top prizes at Future Business Leaders of America Inc.’s National Leadership Conference. The event, held in San Antonio, Texas, from June 29 to July 2, attracted more than 16,000 middle and high school students, educators, and volunteers from across the country.

The NLC provides education, competition and networking opportunities centered on business.

More than 13,400 students from nearly 2,100 schools in 47 U.S. states, territories, and Canada competed in 108 business-related events for prizes totaling nearly $65,000.

Students also had the opportunity to engage in over 200 learning workshops and meet with representatives from more than 25 colleges, universities and employers, including Alzheimer’s Association, BusinessU, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, FICO, Funds2Orgs, Jostens, Kendra Scott, Men’s Wearhouse, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard.

Additionally, students heard from Jared Ebersole, FBLA high school alumnus and co-founder of Lectec, who shared his journey from FBLA member to entrepreneur, and what it takes to build, fail, and lead.

Several students from Penn Kidder, L.B. Morris Middle school and Jim Thorpe Area High School attended.

KaylaAnn Kandy, a soon-to-be college freshman at Lehigh University, placed first in the nation for top Alzheimer’s fundraising. She raised over $6,200 for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Noelanie Sepulveda placed sixth in the Capstone Finalist presentations, where she competed for $5,000 to benefit her service project “Be The Help.” This project impacts chemotherapy patients through partnering with Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network.

“We are so proud to have these students involved at such a young age to learn what FBLA is about,” the school stated.

The middle school and high school chapters received the Gold Seal Champion Chapter Award as well.

Several area sponsors made the trip possible. Sponsors included Amazon, Mauch Chunk Trust Company, St. Luke’s University Health Network, BTM Incorporated, Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Bennett Family Properties, Bear Mountain Realty, Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency, Roberti and Roberti, and Inn at Jim Thorpe.

“This year’s National Leadership Conference showcased the incredible talent and dedication of our student members,” said FBLA President and CEO Jennifer Woods. “From analytical thinking to dynamic communication, they demonstrated the skills that will shape tomorrow’s workforce. These students leave San Antonio not only with well-earned recognition, but also with new connections, confidence, and a clearer path toward their future careers.”

Future Business Leaders of America Inc. is a nonprofit education association inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders.

For more information, visit fbla.org.