Mater Lakes Academy had four students compete in the FBLA National Leadership Conference held in Anaheim, California on June 29 to July 2.
All four students, Cristian “CJ” Acevedo (Sales Presentation), Anny Licor (Electronic Career Portfolio), Melissa Machado (Organizational Leadership) and Kevin Vega (Sports and Entertainment Management) ended as finalists in their respective categories, but one student placed eighth nationally – Melissa Machado.
“I’m very proud of Melissa placing in her category after her hard work in FBLA over the past four years. This National Leadership Conference experience will hopefully encourage more new members to join and create momentum for us over the next few years to experience nationals again and again,” said Giovanni Lorenzo, FBLA sponsor.
“It was an unforgettable experience that I’m glad I could share with such memorable people. It was the perfect closing to my four year FBLA career,” said Machado.
She and Acevedo both graduated from Mater Lakes in June and are off to continue their education by pursuing a post-secondary education. Machado will be heading to Stanford this fall.
This is the first time that Mater Lakes Academy has had four students qualify during the State Leadership Conference to attend the National Competition. Though this was not the first time that Mater Lakes had students that were qualified to compete at FBLA’s NLC, this is the first time that students competed on the national stage.
“Being able to experience this amazing trip was truly the highlight of my freshmen year. I’m extremely grateful to have spent a weekend with such an adventurous and supportive group of people,” said Licor.
Both Licor and Vega will continue leading and competing for Mater Lakes Academy’s FBLA in the upcoming school year.
“It was an amazing experience, truly a once in a lifetime experience. I hope to be able to do it again in Baltimore, where FBLA will hold next year’s National Leadership Conference,” said Vega.
For more information, visit the school’s website at
www.materlakes.org.