On Feb. 6, after weeks of preparation, the Diamond Bar High School Future Business Leaders of America placed third overall in its annual Inland Section Conference sweepstakes at Los Osos High School. Although the club lacked in numbers compared to other schools, they compensated with many individual first place finishers. At the event, 39 members also qualified for the State Leadership Conference, the next step of the competition, by placing in the top ranks of their events.

Competitive events are separated into categories, such as objective testing, role play, team performance, prejudged reports, presentation events, and speech events. The events revolve around preparing students for the business world using different strategies. Some events, such as Business Communications, are part of the objective testing category and only require students to take written tests. Others, such as Impromptu Speaking and Job Interview, simulates a real-world business situation.

Four seniors placed first in their events: Crystal Chang in Business Communications and Health Care Administration, James English in Insurance and Risk Management, David Walters in Management Decision Making, and Karen Sun in Job Interview.

Four juniors also placed first: Jessica Zhang in Business Law, Sabrina Tseng in Cyber Security, and both Vinay Bhupathiraju and Neil Tengbumroong in Management Decision Making.

Additionally, sophomore Steven Liang ranked first in Introduction to Business Procedures while freshman Jason Zhao ranked first in Computer Problem Solving and Introduction to Information Technology.

A special award, called the FBLA Who’s Who, was awarded to Crystal Chang and Karen Sun, who were both nominated for the award. The award recognizes FBLA members who demonstrate leadership and take the extra step in contributing to their chapter.

This year, DBHS made the completion of a section or state project mandatory for all members who wanted to compete. Projects emphasized individual skills, such as staying fit, going green, and public relations. At the event, DBHS was the chapter with the most projects completed.

A few weeks before competition, members attended mandatory study sessions after school to better prepare for their events. There, they could study with others competing in the same event and also receive advice from experienced members.

At the Section Conference, candidates campaigned, gave speeches, and were elected to conference officer positions. Three DBHS candidates ran for section office this year: Shannen Barrameda, Ashley Chen, and Jessica Zhang, but only Zhang was elected. She will be serving as the Inland Section Secretary for the next year.

The top placing competitors of each event in the Section Conference qualified to proceed to the State Conference. There, those who place in the top three will be able to advance to National Leadership Conference at Atlanta.

The upcoming State Leadership Conference will take place from April 14-17 at Ontario.