YORK, Pa. — The Penn State York Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate group claimed 16 national awards at the leadership conference that was held in Orlando, Florida, June 24-27. To compete at nationals, students had to place first through fourth place in a presentation event or exam at the state competition in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which took place on April 13.   

“[Our students’] dedication and hard work [has] truly paid off, showcasing the excellence and spirit of Penn State York,” said Megan Lorenz, assistant teaching professor of business and FBLA adviser. With this year’s 16 wins, Lorenz has now seen students earn 237 FBLA awards throughout her 14 years as the club’s adviser. 

Upcoming president of the York chapter, Polina Bolotnikova, earned first place in the finance case category. She described the experience as “a lot of fun and great professional development.” 

The other first-place winner from Penn State York was first-year biology student Ezequiel Adames, who earned the top spot in marketing, sales and communication. 

National competition winners

1st Place – Finance Case Competition 

• Polina Bolotnikova  

1st Place – Marketing, Sales, and Communication Case 

• Ezequiel Adames 

2nd Place – Business Ethics 

• Ryan Dellinger 

2nd Place – Emerging Business Issues 

• Ryan Dellinger 

2nd Place – Foundations of Entrepreneurship 

• Nakhaiya Jacobs 

2nd Place – Management Case Competition 

• Nhi Nguyen and Katelyn Ottaviano 

3rd Place – Foundations of Finance 

• Gabe Snediker 

3rd Place – Future Business Executive 

• Rebecca Mauck 

4th Place – Business Ethics 

• Lawrence Williams and Kavya Shah 

5th Place – Foundations of Accounting 

• Gabe Snediker 

5th Place – Foundations of Hospitality Management 

• Chase Wentz 

8th Place – Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition 

• Rebecca Mauck and Polina Bolotnikova 

9th Place – Foundations of Finance 

• Nakhaiya Jacobs 

9th Place – State of the Chapter Presentation 

• Ryan Dellinger, Rebecca Mauck, and Polina Bolotnikova 

10th Place – Foundations of Accounting 

• Neeraj Patil 

10th Place – Foundations of Technology 

• Neeraj Patil 

Networking in a magical place 

The highlight of the trip for many students was a networking event held at Disney World’s Epcot Park after the competition, organized by Iona Conlon and Di Hershey, the development and alumni relations team at Penn State York. This event gave students a chance to meet with Penn State alumni who lived in the area, many of whom were Disney employees. It also gave students like Chase Wentz, who is a freshman and new to the FBLA chapter, a chance to branch out and meet new people.

“[The national leadership conference] made me more comfortable meeting new people and networking.” said Wentz, who added that the experience gave him the chance to meet the chapter members. “Already, I’m having a blast with everyone."

The networking event concluded on a waterfront patio where the group watched the Epcot fireworks display and shared in a "WE ARE" chant. 

Funds to send the group to state and national FBLA events came from the Women’s Philanthropic Network, the Graham Fellows Program for Entrepreneurial Leadership, the campus Student Activity Fee, and the Penn State York Academic Affairs office.