High school students are the next generation of leaders so preparing them is critical for their future.

On Thursday, the Carbon County Commissioners recognized students who take the initiative to better themselves for their future careers.

To honor this, the county made Feb. 5-11 Future Business Leaders of America Week in Carbon County.

Future Business Leaders of America is a nonprofit educational organization that aims to provide an education to cultivate a strong understanding of business.

In Carbon County, there are 241 students in FBLA chapters in four schools - Palmerton, Jim Thorpe, Lehighton and Weatherly. The students join approximate 8,800 Pennsylvania students and over 196,950 students in various chapters across the U.S. and world.

On Thursday, members of Palmerton’s chapter spoke with the board about the importance of the program and their future.

“This proclamation is a crucial step in having our chapter recognized at the state and national level as an outstanding chapter and will earn us credit toward the Gold Seal Chapter of Merit Award,” said Fiona Winger, who serves as student representative for the Palmerton chapter.

Riley Fallon, secretary in the Palmerton chapter, said that Palmerton has 103 students who tested or competed at the regional leadership conference and of that, 79 of those students qualified to move onto states.

The commissioners thanked the students for taking the time to speak about the organization and how it benefits students.

“I think it gives one optimism to see individuals like these students, and of course those representing the chapters throughout Carbon County, to show a sincere interest in business, understanding that they’re developing the skill set that is going to help fuel our local and national or international economies,” said Commissioner Chris Lukasevich. “Of course, that all is the bedrock to our quality of life that we have locally and in America. Thank you for your dedication.”

Commissioner Rocky Ahner added that it is impressive to see that in the region, there are 241 students representing Carbon County.

FBLA began in Tennessee in 1942.

Each school group performs community service activities.