PCA's chapter of Future Business Leaders of America joined more than 1000 South Carolina students at the District IV competition on Saturday at James Island Charter High School. Sophomore Eliza Sloan participated in her first ever event, Personal Finance, while veteran Seniors earned 2nd and 3rd place awards in written and performance events:
Hannah Christman - 2nd Place Economics
Lukas Gawryluk - 3rd Place Help Desk
Sarah Spivey & Bennett Velasquez - 2nd Place Emerging Business Issues
Students who placed at the District Competition advance to the State Competition on March 22-23. Students who place 1st-4th at the State level will advance to the National Competition in San Antonio, TX, during the week of June 29-July 2. PCA students have competed in national events for the last 3 years, earning multiple top-20 finishes.
Bennett Velasquez is a founding member of the PCA FBLA chapter and serves on the FBLA SC State Board as Vice President representing District IV. He has embraced the full range of opportunities offered by FBLA and has competed in 3 national events as well as serving 3 years as a state officer. FBLA has been one of his most formative high school activities, and he points to the skills he has learned in "business, presentation, organization, and leadership. It is a valuable experience for everyone whether or not they plan on a career in business." That certainly has been the case at PCA. Graduated FBLA students have moved on to degrees as varied as engineering and nursing, and current students plan to pursue foreign language, accounting, science, computer engineering, and hospitality management.
Hannah, Lukas, Sarah, and Bennett all competed in the State Competition last year, so we are looking forward to another strong showing in March!